Can Power Banks Explode in Cars During Summer?
3 Answers
Leaving a power bank in the car during summer poses a risk of explosion. When parked in an open space for extended periods under direct sunlight, the temperature inside the car can rise sharply. If there are flammable or explosive items inside, it becomes highly unsafe. During summer, avoid keeping the following items in your car: Lighters: Standard lighters contain liquid butane, which is highly flammable and explosive. Perfume: Perfume bottles are often sealed, making them prone to expansion under high temperatures, creating a potential hazard. Sealed canned liquids or beverages: Carbonated drinks already contain gas, and shaking them slightly can cause expansion. Combined with thermal expansion, they are more likely to burst. Electronic devices: Devices like smartphones contain delicate circuit boards that can be easily damaged by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Batteries are even more dangerous, as they may swell or even explode under extreme heat.
From my personal understanding of electronic product safety, I do think that leaving a power bank in the car during summer could potentially lead to an explosion. The reason lies in the fact that the lithium-ion battery inside the power bank is highly sensitive to high temperatures. Once the temperature inside the car soars above 50°C, the battery materials may expand or short-circuit, triggering thermal runaway, which can result in fire or explosion. I’ve personally witnessed a friend’s car where the entire dashboard was scorched after a power bank was left inside during a hot summer day, leading to extremely high repair costs. Therefore, I strongly recommend making it a habit to take your power bank with you every time you park, especially during hot seasons. Additionally, the temperature inside a car under direct sunlight can easily exceed 60°C, far surpassing the design limits of most power banks (typically 0-40°C). This risk not only affects the device but could also damage car interiors or even cause a small fire. For safety, it’s best not to take the risk.
As a driver who spends most of the year on the road, I've had a painful experience: one summer I left a power bank in the car, and when I returned in the afternoon, I found it swollen like a steamed bun, which scared me into throwing it away immediately. This proves that high temperatures are definitely a ticking time bomb, as lithium batteries can become uncontrollable when heated in an enclosed space. I advise my fellow drivers not to follow my example and to check their electronic devices before leaving the car. The related issue is the low humidity in the car and the accumulated heat from direct sunlight, which accelerates the chemical reactions inside the power bank, causing it to smoke at best or explode and injure people at worst. Remember, safety is no small matter, and developing good habits can prevent accidents.
