Analyzing Viral Claims about E-Bike Battery Explosions in Lifts!

Electronic devices, batteries, and similar items can sometimes cause damage and accidents, making it essential to handle them cautiously. However, social media occasionally spreads misleading posts about such incidents, creating unnecessary panic. It is important to verify the accuracy of these claims to avoid misinformation and ensure safety measures are based on reliable information.

Social Media Posts

A viral video circulating on social media suggests that in China, an e-bike battery brought into a lift caused the lift to turn into a magnetic battery, leading to an explosion due to electro-charge interactions.

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The footage was viral among WhatsApp users in Sri Lanka as well and shows the horrific moment a lithium battery blew up in a man's face in a lift, resulting in deadly burns.

The same clip was shared widely among TikTok users as well.

But what had really happened and caused the deadly explosion? Let’s find out.

Fact Check

The viral video shows an incident first reported in China in 2021. A Google search using relevant keywords led to several Chinese news reports from 2021 featuring the same footage. Such reports can be reached here and here.

Further research revealed recent reports using the same footage, indicating the incident occurred in 2021 in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China. Such reports can be reached here, here and here. None of these reports mentioned the explosion being caused by the battery's magnetic field and emphasised proper handling and disposal of lithium batteries.

As per these reports, a man named Chen experienced a fire caused by the thermal runaway of a lithium battery from his electric vehicle. One early morning in 2021 October, his wife noticed the battery overheating, and he was informed, then decided to take it outside to cool down. However, as he took the battery into the elevator, it burst into smoke and exploded, engulfing it in flames. Despite being rescued and rushed to the hospital, Chen suffered severe burns, inhalation injury, and acute kidney injury. He also sustained burns to his left eye and later died at home in November 2021 (one month after the incident)from acute myocardial infarction.

These reports also noted that the video is being circulated again for reference and awareness purposes following Shanghai authorities’ revision of rules banning the use of electric bicycles or their batteries indoors or in elevators.

Previously, Shanghai authorities prohibited bringing e-bike batteries indoors and banned commercial activities related to assembling, adding, or modifying e-bikes. This action was taken after multiple battery explosions caused by modifications and overheating incidents. Such reports can be reached here and here.

Consider the PMDs, previous incidents and the experts' opinions.

Personal Mobility Device (PMD)

A PMD is any device powered by an electric motor designed for individual transport. This category includes e-bikes and e-scooters. PMDs are popular for their convenience but pose safety risks, especially when their batteries are modified or improperly maintained.

Structure of an E-Bike Battery

Ebike Battery Wiring Diagram by Roy

An e-bike battery, typically a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, consists of several key components:

1. Cathode: Made of lithium metal oxide.
2. Anode: Typically made of lithium graphite.
3. Separator: Prevents the electrodes from contacting each other directly while allowing ionic flow.
4. Electrolyte: Facilitates the movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode.

Structure of a Li-Ion Cell: A) The battery consists of four primary components: a positive cathode made of lithium metal oxide, a negative anode typically of lithium graphite, a separator that keeps the electrodes apart but allows lithium ions to flow, and an electrolyte that prevents electron flow inside the battery. A solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) forms a protective layer on the anode during the cell formation; B) During discharge, lithium ions move towards the anode, leading to oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode, while the opposite occurs during charging; C) A typical Li-ion polymer pack used in personal mobility devices; D) An X-ray image shows the multilayered structure of a battery cell, with each layer functioning as an anode and cathode unit —image by Wang et al.

These components work together to store and release electrical energy through a series of controlled chemical reactions. Read more

Claim: Is there any relationship between battery explosions and lifts?

Research and expert analysis on similar incidents indicate that the explosion in the video is due to the battery's condition rather than any property of the lift. Here are key points from related studies and incidents:

1. Modified Batteries and Overcharging:

Mr. Muhammad Irfan, Danish Azhar, was alone in the lift with his PMD when it caught fire on June 3, 2021. (photo: Lianhe Zaobao File)

The death of Muhammad Irfan Danish Azhar in Singapore was ruled a misadventure due to his modified PMD bursting into flames in a lift. The device was powered by an incompatible and modified battery without a proper battery management system (BMS), leading to overheating and explosion. Read more

Overcharging and modifying batteries can bypass safety mechanisms, causing thermal runaway. This leads to excessive heat, release of flammable gases, and potential explosions. Read more

2. Thermal Runaway:

The thermal runaway process in three stages:

(1) Overheating of the battery due to causes like internal short-circuit formation from cell defects or contamination,

(2) Rapid temperature increases inside the LIB, causing exothermic reactions and release of flammable gases, and

(3) Sufficient heat levels lead to the combustion of these gases, resulting in an explosion.

Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway, a condition where excessive heat generates a feedback loop, causing the battery to overheat and possibly explode. Read more

3. Safety Certifications:

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda in Singapore advises using only UL2272-certified and authority-registered PMDs, which is crucial for safety. These certifications ensure that the battery systems and electrical components meet safety standards. Read more.

Research Findings:

Peiyi Sun and colleagues highlighted the fire risks associated with high-energy Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). Thermal runaway in these batteries can cause fires and explosions under extreme conditions, such as overcharging. Read more.

Huang Li conducted full-scale tests showing that thermal runaway in battery packs leads to rapid fire spread and difficulty in suppression due to the battery pack’s design. Read more.

John Warner-Levy’s review indicated that improper handling and modifications of PMD batteries significantly increase the risk of burn injuries and fires. Read more.

M.K.H. Hsieh discussed the electrochemical pathways leading to Li-ion battery explosions, emphasising the importance of proper battery utilisation and adherence to safety standards to prevent such incidents. Read more.

Safety Tips for Handling EV Batteries!

Handling and charging EV batteries correctly is crucial for ensuring safety and longevity. Here are some practical tips provided by Climate Fact Checks

Use the Correct Charger: Always use the charger that comes with your EV or one recommended by the manufacturer. Using incompatible chargers can lead to overcharging or overheating, increasing the risk of fire or explosion.

Avoid Overcharging: Do not leave your EV battery plugged in after it has reached full charge. Overcharging can stress the battery and lead to thermal runaway. Most modern EVs have built-in systems to prevent overcharging, but it’s still a good practice to unplug the battery once fully charged​.

Monitor Charging Conditions: Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials. Avoid charging in extremely hot or cold temperatures, as this can affect the battery’s performance and safety. Ideally, charge your battery at room temperature and ensure the charging area is dry and clean​.

Inspect the Battery Regularly: Check your battery for any signs of damage, such as dents, swelling, or leakage. If you notice any issues, do not use the battery and contact the manufacturer for advice. Damaged batteries are more prone to catching fire or exploding​.

Store Batteries Safely: When not in use, store your battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing the battery where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, as this can degrade the battery over time​.

Handle with Care: Avoid dropping or subjecting the battery to physical shocks. Physical damage can compromise the battery’s safety and lead to dangerous situations. If the battery is involved in an accident or sustains a significant impact, inspect it by a professional before using it again​.

By following these safety tips, users can significantly reduce the risks associated with EV batteries. Understanding how these batteries work and taking appropriate precautions ensures they remain a safe and reliable power source for electric vehicles.

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Conclusion

As per the above information, the claim that a lift can turn into a magnetic battery due to an e-bike battery's electro-charge is misleading and does not have any scientific backing. The real issue lies in the modification and overcharging of batteries, which can lead to thermal runaway and explosions. Proper maintenance, use of certified devices, and adherence to safety standards are crucial to prevent such dangerous incidents.

Read also: Don’t get misled by the ‘EV Battery in Lift’ viral video. Here are the facts.