California has implemented a new 1.5% fee on products with nonremovable batteries, such as PlayStations and power tools, to fund proper recycling and reduce fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are increasingly prevalent and pose safety risks at waste facilities and in the environment.
Starting January 1, California will impose a 1.5% fee (capped at $15) on all products with embedded non-removable batteries, such as PlayStations and power tools, to fund proper disposal and reduce fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, which pose risks at recycling facilities and in the environment.
A bus fire in southern India, intensified by hundreds of smartphones onboard, resulted in at least 20 deaths after a collision caused a fuel tank explosion. The smartphones' lithium-ion batteries likely worsened the fire, which was further fueled by electrical batteries used for the bus's air conditioning. The incident highlights safety concerns related to transport and electronic waste in India.
MIT researchers have developed a new model based on coupled ion-electron transfer (CIET) to better understand how lithium-ion batteries work, which could lead to the design of more powerful and faster-charging batteries by optimizing intercalation processes and electrolyte compositions.
Anker is recalling over 1.1 million PowerCore 10000 power banks in the US due to fire and burn risks caused by battery issues, with reports of fires, explosions, and injuries. Consumers are advised to check if their units are affected, submit proof for a replacement or gift card, and dispose of the recalled batteries safely at designated facilities. The recall highlights the importance of proper battery maintenance and the potential benefits of upgrading to safer solid-state batteries.
A cargo ship carrying 3,000 cars, including 800 electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries, caught fire off Alaska's coast. The U.S. Coast Guard is allowing the fire to burn due to the risk of explosion from the batteries, and all crew members were safely rescued. The cause of the fire is under investigation, highlighting the dangers of lithium-ion batteries in maritime transport.
Researchers are exploring carbon nanotubes as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering three times more energy storage per unit mass and greater temperature resilience. These nanotubes, which are stronger than steel, could revolutionize energy storage in medical devices by harvesting energy from body movements. While not yet ready to replace lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, carbon nanotubes present a promising future for clean energy solutions.
Anker is recalling nearly 80,000 Soundcore and PowerConf Bluetooth speakers in the U.S. and Canada due to reports of lithium-ion batteries overheating and causing fires. Sold between March and October 2023, these speakers were available on Amazon and often discounted during major sales events. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 33 reports of overheating incidents, including one minor burn injury. Affected models include the Soundcore A3102 and PowerConf A3302. Consumers are advised to stop using the speakers and contact Anker for a refund. Defective batteries should be recycled at designated locations.
Three recent high school graduates died in a Cybertruck crash in Piedmont, Northern California, when the vehicle hit a barrier and caught fire. A fourth passenger was rescued and hospitalized. The intense fire, fueled by the vehicle's lithium-ion batteries, was difficult to extinguish, highlighting safety concerns associated with electric vehicles. This incident follows other similar fires involving Cybertrucks, raising questions about their safety.
Swedish battery manufacturer Northvolt has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S., leading to the resignation of co-founder and CEO Peter Carlsson, who will remain as an advisor. Despite raising $14.26 billion, including a recent $1.2 billion round, the company struggled with financial issues, burning through $100 million monthly and losing a $2 billion contract with BMW. Northvolt's bankruptcy highlights challenges in battery manufacturing, but with Volkswagen's investment and Europe's interest in competing with Asian battery makers, the company may still have a future.
An American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Miami was evacuated after a laptop caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke while the plane was still on the tarmac. Passengers had to use emergency chutes to exit, resulting in three minor injuries. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries on aircraft.
Over 1.2 million rechargeable lights from Good Earth Lighting are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada due to fire hazards linked to overheating batteries, following one reported death and several incidents of property damage. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected models and can receive free replacements.
Good Earth Lighting Inc. is recalling over 1.2 million units of its Rechargeable Integrated Lights due to reports of overheating lithium-ion batteries causing fires and one death. Customers should stop using the lights and contact the company for a free replacement.
Over 1.2 million rechargeable lights from Good Earth Lighting are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada due to fire hazards linked to overheating batteries, following one reported death and several incidents of property damage. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected models and can receive free replacements.
Good Earth Lighting is recalling over 1.2 million rechargeable integrated lights due to fire and burn hazards, following one reported death and multiple incidents of overheating and fires. Consumers should stop using the lights and contact the company for a free replacement.