IDTechEx’s latest report, titled “Fire Protection Materials for EV Batteries 2024-2034: Markets, Trends, andForecasts,” delves into diverse battery technologies and emerging fire-resistant materials to tackle these risks.While recalls of electric vehicles are infrequent, they have occurred in recent years due to thermal runawayhazards. In the realm of transportation, safety reigns supreme, and with the surging demand for electric vehicles(EVs), awareness regarding thermal runaway and potential battery fires is on the rise.
Surprisingly, some of these fires have ignited while the vehicles were stationary, not in operation. Thisunderscores the unpredictable nature of these incidents. Cell-to-pack batteries are gaining popularity due totheir potential for enhancing energy density, reducing part counts, and lowering costs. However, clustering allcells together increases the risk of thermal runaway propagation. To address this, incorporating materials thatcan serve multiple functions at the cell level is crucial.
The ideal material should offer thermal and electrical isolation, conformability, and structural support, all whilebeing lightweight, thin, and cost-effective. In a recent IDTechEx webinar titled ‘The Evolving Opportunity in EVBattery Fire Protection Materials,’ Research Director Dr James Edmondson discussed options such asencapsulating foams and compression pads with fire protection to prevent thermal runaway propagation betweencells.
Various materials, including ceramic blankets or mica sheets, can be applied to the lid, modules, or the exteriorof the battery pack for added protection. Moreover, active liquid cooling and refrigerants have replaced air-cooledbatteries to better regulate battery temperature, although cold plates within the pack remain uncommon. Thefuture of battery chemistries could influence the approach to thermal management in EVs.
The transition to sodium-ion batteries, as opposed to lithium-ion ones, could serve as another viable solution tomitigating the risk of fires. While sodium-ion batteries still pose a risk, initial studies indicate a lower likelihood of thermal runaway. Additionally, their ability to be transported at 0V makes them less risky compared to lithium-ion batteries during transport and assembly. Solid-state batteries offer another alternative, replacing the liquidelectrolyte in traditional lithium-ion cells with a wider operating temperature range, reducing the risk ofoverheating.
For more detailed information on the differences between these battery types, IDTechEx’s report provides acomprehensive overview. The demand for batteries is particularly high in the automotive sector, with countrieslike Norway boasting the highest market share of electric vehicles (EVs) globally. However, other modes oftransportation are also at risk. Electric buses, for example, which operate for long hours and require largerbatteries, are crucial to protect due to the large number of passengers they carry throughout the day.
In Asia, electric scooters are a popular means of transportation and are often brought indoors, emphasizing theimportance of fire protection. Despite gasoline and diesel cars being more prone to fires, the rapidly growing EV market still presents certain risks. IDTechEx has evaluated various fire protection material options based on theirapplication efficiency, thermal and electrical insulation properties, costs, and more.
The IDTechEx’s report also includes market shares for current materials and predictions for future adoption.Given the increased interest in this topic, more companies are becoming involved in the market. While traditionalmaterials will continue to be prevalent, their market share is expected to decrease somewhat due to theemergence of new alternatives such as aerogels and compression pads.
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