We have become accustomed to warnings against leaving smartphones on auto dashboards in the sun. Countless news items have taught us that lithium-ion batteries may ignite if they overheat. However, we have learned that theyare not the only battery-power devices damaging autos standing in the sun all day long.
Care To Guess Which Battery-Power Devices Are Guilty?
Bristol Post alerted us to the surprising answer on August 2, 2024. Although in hindsight we should probably have fingered nicotine-filled vapes as likely culprits. After all, this lithium-ion-powered market is cut-price, with cheap imports flooding in.
The vape fire risk is becoming evident as summer temperatures hit new records on the back of global warming. Vapes contain potentially unstable lithium-ion batteries, and their primary purpose is to generate heat.
All that may be needed is to leave a lithium-ion battery vape on the auto dashboard on a hot day, with the windows closed. If the lithium-ion battery overheats, then it could enter thermal runaway and catch fire.
That vape fire could cost the auto owner a pile of money to replace the sophisticated electronics in their dashboard. We already knew that these battery-power devices are not good for our health. But now it seems these vapes could be dangerous too!
An Industry Expert Confirms The Vape Risk Is Real
Our Bristol Post source spoke to the editors of a leading vape website. They confirmed that lithium-ion batteries are the right application for vapes, because they are high density, and some recharge numerous times too.
They go on to explain that lithium-ion batteries are generally safe, with a less-than-one-in-ten-million chance of exploding. Although we should add this is more likely if a battery is substandard, and has bypassed safety regulations.
We wrote this post to share two simple workarounds to this risk. The first is simple. Listen to medical advice and don’t vape. The second workaround may be easier for you. Do not store vapes in your auto on hot days.
More Information:
Recycling Lithium-Ion Battery Vapes
