Is it safe to store lithium batteries in the trunk during summer?
4 Answers
It is unsafe to store lithium batteries in the trunk during summer. Here is relevant information about lithium batteries: In-car temperature: During summer, the temperature inside a car can reach 60-70°C. Various types of lithium batteries are not designed for natural storage under such conditions, unless subjected to severe impact or extremely high environmental temperatures, which require special attention. For batteries, especially nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries, their sealed packaging means high temperatures can cause a sharp increase in internal pressure, potentially leading to explosions. Even if they don't explode, high temperatures can cause deformation of internal electrodes and damage the battery. Battery recycling: They have recycling value. As for the utilization of waste lithium batteries, it's important to know that cobalt, lithium, copper, and plastics in waste lithium batteries are valuable resources with high recycling potential. Therefore, scientifically and effectively processing waste lithium batteries not only has significant environmental benefits but also good economic returns.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I pay special attention to the small details in the car, especially the safety of items stored in the trunk. It's really unsafe to leave lithium batteries in the trunk during summer because the trunk can easily heat up to over 50 degrees Celsius on hot days, and lithium batteries, such as power banks or electric tool batteries, are most vulnerable to such high-temperature environments. The internal chemical substances of these batteries can become unstable under high heat, potentially leading to swelling, leakage, or even fire and explosion. I once read an accident report online where someone forgot a spare phone battery in their car during summer, and at noon, the car started smoking while parked, nearly catching fire. For safety, I recommend not storing lithium batteries in the trunk for long periods. During hot weather, it's best to park in a shaded area or simply take them out and place them in the air-conditioned cabin. Regularly checking items in the trunk is also a good habit, especially for old or swollen batteries—replace them early to avoid major trouble. Additionally, don’t forget to clean the dust in the trunk during vehicle maintenance to ensure better ventilation, which can slightly reduce the heat.
I think storing lithium batteries in the trunk during summer poses significant issues. Based on my experience with power banks, batteries become extremely unstable in hot weather. When driving in summer, the trunk becomes like an oven, with temperatures often soaring to 60-70°C. This accelerates internal reactions in lithium batteries, which can shorten their lifespan at best or cause short circuits and fires at worst. I often remind my friends not to casually toss batteries in there. For example, the portable fan batteries used during picnics should be wrapped in insulated bags or placed in the front seats. Prevention is key—develop small habits like checking battery packaging for integrity, avoiding damaged batteries, parking in shaded areas, or simply adding a sunshade mat. Of course, electric vehicles have cooling systems for their lithium batteries, but those are specialized protective designs; ordinary items don’t get such treatment. In short, don’t take risks—safe driving starts with these small details.
Lithium batteries are unsafe in the trunk during summer, posing high risks under high temperatures. Trunk temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius in summer, causing lithium batteries like phone batteries and power banks to overheat, potentially leading to incidents such as smoke or fire. Personally, I try to avoid this practice. If absolutely necessary, I wrap them in heat-insulating materials or store them for short periods. It's advisable to regularly check battery conditions and choose products with safety certifications.
