Can Power Banks Explode When Left in a Car During Summer?
2 Answers
High temperatures may cause explosions or spontaneous combustion. Since power banks typically contain lithium batteries, these batteries are highly prone to explosion when exposed to direct sunlight in a confined car environment where temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to leave power banks in cars, especially for extended periods, as this poses significant safety hazards. Below is relevant information about power banks: Introduction to Power Banks: A power bank is a device that can directly charge mobile devices while having its own energy storage unit. Currently, the main types of power banks on the market are multifunctional, most of which come with standard USB outputs. They can generally meet the charging needs of various common digital products such as mobile phones, MP3 players, MP4 players, PDAs, PSPs, Bluetooth headsets, and digital cameras. Essentially, a power bank is a convenient, portable, high-capacity power source. It is an integrated portable device that combines energy storage, voltage boosting, and charging management. Functions of Power Banks: A power bank's built-in charging plug can directly charge mobile devices via an AC power source while also having its own energy storage unit. It is equivalent to a hybrid of a charger and a spare battery. Compared to spare batteries, it simplifies the need for an additional charging plug. Compared to chargers, it has its own energy storage unit, providing a backup power source for digital products when there is no direct power supply or when outdoors.
It's really not advisable to leave power banks in the car during summer, especially in hot weather. I've seen too many similar cases where temperatures inside a closed car can easily soar above 60°C under direct sunlight, much hotter than the high-temperature warnings in weather forecasts. Lithium batteries undergo chemical reactions when exposed to high temperatures, generating a large amount of gas inside that causes the casing to expand. In severe cases, they can explode and catch fire. Last year, there was a local case where a car owner left a fully charged power bank under the windshield, and when they returned, the glass had been shattered by the explosion. I recommend developing the habit of checking your car before leaving, not just for power banks but also items like lighters and aerosol cans—don't leave them in the car. If you absolutely must leave something, at least avoid placing it on the dashboard or seats. The shaded area in the trunk might be slightly cooler, but for safety's sake, it's better not to take the risk.
