A team of scientists has developed a powerful lithium battery fire suppressant that could help stop battery fires before they start — a breakthrough that could make electric vehicles and other battery-powered devices much safer.
This new fire protection works automatically and kicks in the moment a battery starts to overheat. It releases a special gas that smothers flames instantly, helping to avoid dangerous fires that can damage cars, buildings, or even take lives.
As more people switch to electric vehicles (EVs), battery-powered tools, and portable devices, safety concerns are growing. Lithium-ion batteries are used everywhere, but when they get damaged or overheated, they can catch fire and even explode.
These battery fires are hard to stop once they begin. They burn extremely hot and can spread quickly, putting people, homes, and vehicles at risk.
The scientists added a protective chemical layer to the battery. If the battery starts to overheat, the layer automatically breaks open and releases a gas that blocks the fire from growing.
This happens within seconds, much faster than any fire extinguisher or safety alarm. The coating doesn’t interfere with how the battery works in daily life; it only activates when it senses extreme heat or danger.
This invention could make electric vehicles much safer, especially in places like Pakistan where EVs are just beginning to grow in popularity. It could also protect laptops, phones, power banks, solar batteries, and even drones from catching fire during a fault or overheating.
The coating is lightweight and affordable, making it easier for battery companies to add it into their future designs.
In recent years, battery fires have made headlines, with EVs from companies like Tesla and Hyundai catching fire unexpectedly. This new fire suppressant could help avoid disasters like that by stopping fires before they can spread.
It’s also a big win for countries adopting clean energy solutions, especially where solar-powered storage and electric bikes are gaining popularity.
The scientists are now testing this coating with battery manufacturers around the world. If it passes all safety checks, it could become a new global standard for battery safety, protecting millions of people from unexpected fires.