lithium battery safety

While traveling from Egypt to the UK, EasyJet passengers experienced an impromptu break in the enchanting city of Rome. This abrupt stop occurred when a passenger raised concerns about a charging power bank found in the cargo hold. With safety as the top priority, the captain executed a swift diversion to land safely.

An IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport was evacuated after a power bank reportedly caught fire, injuring six passengers. The incident highlights DGCA's ban on using power banks for charging during flights, emphasizing they must be in hand baggage only. Passengers are instructed to report any device emitting heat or smoke.

An IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh experienced a passenger safety scare when a personal power bank ignited shortly after landing, causing smoke and necessitating an emergency evacuation. This incident highlights the growing dangers of lithium-ion batteries in portable electronics, prompting stricter regulations and advisories from aviation authorities worldwide.

In a recent detailed analysis, aviation experts highlight a proposed electrical failure scenario linked to lithium-ion batteries that may explain the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. This hypothesis, underpinned by Boeing's technical documents and historical data, posits that a battery malfunction could inadvertently sever fuel supply to both engines, challenging previous theories that pointed solely to pilot error.

A passenger's power bank ignited on an IndiGo flight after landing in Chandigarh, filling the cabin with smoke and forcing an emergency evacuation. Six people were injured during the chaotic exit, raising concerns about onboard safety protocols for lithium battery devices and post-incident handling.

US airlines are implementing new rules for portable chargers starting May 1, limiting the number of devices and restricting their storage and use during flights. These changes aim to mitigate rising incidents involving lithium battery-powered devices, as reported by the FAA. Passengers must now adhere to airline-specific guidelines for carrying and handling their power banks.

Southwest Airlines will limit passengers to one portable charger onboard starting April 20, due to rising lithium battery incidents. The charger must remain accessible and cannot be checked or stored in overhead bins. This stricter rule aims to enhance safety and mitigate risks associated with overheating devices on flights.

JSW MG Motor India has implemented a significant price increase for its luxury electric MPV, the MG M9, now priced at Rs. 75.90 lakh ex-showroom. This update, effective April 2026, raises the cost from its previous Rs. 69.90 lakh.

A shocking social media clip shows a young boy seriously injured after a lithium phone battery exploded in his mouth while he was chewing it. The incident, captured on CCTV, highlights the extreme dangers of mishandling these powerful batteries, serving as a stark reminder to handle them with utmost care.

India has prohibited charging power banks inflight and using them with in-seat power systems due to the risk of lithium batteries catching fire. Power banks and batteries are now only permitted in hand luggage, not overhead bins, following DGCA directives to enhance flight safety. Airlines must report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA.

New TSA regulations now prohibit portable chargers and power banks in checked luggage due to lithium-ion battery fire risks, highlighted by incidents like the Air Busan Flight 391 fire. Passengers must carry these in carry-on bags, protecting battery terminals. The Real ID Act is also in effect, requiring compliant identification for domestic flights.

A Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart experienced a fire caused by a power bank in carry-on luggage, prompting an emergency response. The cabin crew quickly extinguished the flames, and all passengers disembarked safely. Virgin Australia is now reviewing its lithium battery policies in coordination with safety authorities following the incident.

The demand for lithium-ion batteries in India is projected to reach 220 GWh by 2030. Battery safety is a major concern, especially in high-temperature conditions. The government has introduced new EV battery safety norms, and various types of Battery Thermal Management Systems are employed to ensure safety.

Oman Air has updated safety rules for lithium batteries, power banks, smart bags, and e-cigarettes to ensure passenger safety. Power banks and e-cigarettes must stay in hand luggage, smart bag batteries may need removal, and lithium battery-powered devices like hoverboards are banned. Devices can be charged under supervision, but loose batteries and vapes cannot be used or charged onboard.

Indian Railways has imposed restrictions on the transportation of lithium and lithium-ion batteries in leased parcel space of trains. This decision will affect the movement of laptops, mobile phones, and small electric vehicles, among other commodities, using the railways' parcel service.

Researchers have developed a new technology that could enable next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) and other devices that are less prone to battery fires while increasing energy storage.

TSA now advises travelers to pack electric toothbrushes and other lithium battery-powered devices in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. Lithium batteries pose a fire risk in cargo holds due to potential overheating and ignition. Keeping them in the cabin allows immediate action if a problem arises, ensuring passenger safety and compliance with regulations.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) allows passengers to carry up to a limited number of portable electronic devices, including phones and laptops, per person. This regulation, driven by lithium battery safety concerns, requires devices to be switched off and properly packed. Travellers should protect spare batteries and consider carrying essential electronics in carry-on baggage for a smoother security experience.

Eight electric vehicle manufacturers have adopted a recommendation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on improving their emergency response guidelines and incorporating vehicle-specific information for fighting high-voltage lithium-ion battery fires.

Recent lithium battery fires on Air China and IndiGo flights have heightened aviation safety concerns. Airlines are tightening regulations, with China banning uncertified power banks and UAE carriers restricting their use. While a full ban is unlikely, stricter watt-hour limits and usage rules are being implemented globally to mitigate risks.

EV battery types and their chemistry have been a key discussion point among stakeholders in India as they affect the industry. The key features of EVs like performance, safety, and cost depend on their battery and they play a major role in consumers’ decision to buy a particular vehicle.

Thermal management is of major importance in high power design, particularly for automotive applications in a tropical climate. As a feature of the battery framework it is important to give air or fluid cooling ducts, pumps or fans and heat exchangers for high temperature working or heaters for operating in low-temperature environments.

IIT Madras and Hindustan Zinc Limited have signed an MoU to develop a 1 kWh electrically rechargeable zinc-air battery prototype. This collaboration seeks to create a sustainable energy storage solution that leverages zinc's advantages over lithium-ion batteries. The partnership aims to significantly advance India's energy storage capabilities, addressing the growing demand and contributing to global market growth.

Southwest Airlines is now the first US carrier to ban the use of portable chargers inside carry-on bags, effective May 28, due to lithium-ion battery fire risks. Power banks must be visible and powered off, exceeding FAA guidelines. This proactive measure aims to enhance safety by allowing quick intervention in case of overheating, addressing growing concerns about in-flight battery incidents.

This means a phone with a battery capacity of let’s say 4000mah might be capable of squeezing in 4400mAh capacity in the same physical space with this new battery tech. Moreover, the batteries are also expected to be equipped with some kind of a “fuel-gauge chip” that helps in better battery longevity and safety.

A comparison between a very promising solid-state battery to lithium-ion tech and the use of sustainable lithium sources revealed that the carbon footprint of the battery could be reduced by 39 percent, the group said. Solid-state batteries, which use solid ceramic material instead of liquid electrolytes to carry electric current, could store more energy and charge faster.