Another Question About Rechargeable Lithium Cells In Hot Car - With A Twist

[Orion]

So, it appears to be a somewhat debated topic, but generally, it is advised to NOT have batteries in your car during the hot months because of potential of fire or explosion. Not sure just HOW hot the batteries would need to be before this happens.

But today I got to thinking about the batteries that are in Hybrid and full EV cars. Isn't the technology pretty much the same? Yet those are rolling around these extremely hot months without many reports of fire or explosion.

Comments?

 

[LEDphile]

There's a difference between an engineered and tested system with verified supply chains and devices that may have been bought from the lowest bidder in a market where there are incentives to cut corners.

 

[Orion]

So the automotive engineering is probably able to handle the heat, but batteries we get probably aren't engineered the same.

 

[cave dave]

So the automotive engineering is probably able to handle the heat, but batteries we get probably aren't engineered the same.

I think he meant the opposite. The lights and batteries CPF enthusiast use are safe and the cars (and Boeing airplanes) might explode at any minute!

 

[Orion]

I think he meant the opposite. The lights and batteries CPF enthusiast use are safe and the cars (and Boeing airplanes) might explode at any minute!

LOL I hope not!! I don't get on planes these days, though.

 

[this_is_nascar]

I've heard and read of more EV cars exploding than I have for flashlights. Just sayin'.....

 

[Sean]

It's interesting, I keep "booster packs" in all my family's cars incase of a dead battery you can jumpstart it. They contain lithium batteries (and a built in flashlight) and are kept in the car year round and are made in china so I don't think they contain magical special engineered cells that won't explode in the heat. Why are these "safe" in a hot car but my flashlight isn't?

 

[knucklegary]

Good point Sean. I keep NOCO auto booster in my car as well. The other (100°+) day pulled it out to check charge and anything unusual like funky smells, leaks, etc.. Alls good, and has been for the last 4-5 years since owning the booster.

 

[orbital]

Good point Sean. I keep NOCO auto booster in my car as well. The other (100°+) day pulled it out to check charge and anything unusual like funky smells, leaks, etc.. Alls good, and has been for the last 4-5 years since owning the booster.

+

NOCO use a LiPo battery, which is more volatile than Li-Ion or LFP
tons of people have them without issue

!!!! So to the OP question, it is not an issue having lithium batteries in a hot car,, people think it's an issue, then other people pile on.
Was never an issue in the first place.

 

[Orion]

Thanks guys. So if I kept an extra flashlight in my car, like my Olight Seeker 3 Pro, it would be fine.

 

[aznsx]

First, I have practically no knowledge of chemistry and don't have the answers on this 'issue' from those who do, so I don't know.

Historically, for several reasons, I've preferred lithium primary cells (CR123A, L91/92) for outdoor / automotive environments. Living on the 'other side of the fence' (where mfgr. specs come from), I always adhere to manufacturer specifications / ratings unless I know the risks(s) of exceeding them and accept those risks. Energizer rates the above cells with Max Storage Temp, and Max Operating Temp of 140F. I hope to stay within or close to those specs unless / until I know the risk(s) of exceeding them.

I know practically nothing about EV applications, except that I believe some of those applications involve temp controlling provisions.

https://data.energizer.com/pdfs/123.pdf

https://data.energizer.com/pdfs/l91.pdf

 

[MidnightDistortions]

The best way to test this is to put a thermometer inside your car to see what the high temp goes to. I think the max temp is around 140°F for the Lithium ion batteries but I don't let them exceed 125°F to ensure safety. For this reason I avoid leaving them in cars and the fewer Lithium ion devices I use/carry the better.

 

[Orion]

What do you carry

The best way to test this is to put a thermometer inside your car to see what the high temp goes to. I think the max temp is around 140°F for the Lithium ion batteries but I don't let them exceed 125°F to ensure safety. For this reason I avoid leaving them in cars and the fewer Lithium ion devices I use/carry the better.

What do you carry with you?

 

[MidnightDistortions]

Usually ill carry (EDC) nickel metal hydride power in my lights. Currently EDC'ing Fenix E25, Duracell 350 and Maglite Solitaire.

 

[vicv]

Electric cars have active cooling systems. Your flashlight inside the car doesn't

 

[orbital]

+

I'v had a EagleTac D25LC2 uses a 18650 in my car for over 8 years.
We can have -20F actual temperature in Winter & last Summer we had a heat index of 117F (could only imagine what that was in my car parked outside)

Of all the things I have to worry or think about,, the flashlight in my car is approximately LAST