Will a Power Bank Explode If Left in a Car During Summer?
3 Answers
It is highly possible. During summer, the temperature inside a car can rise significantly, and lithium batteries pose an explosion risk under high temperatures. The reasons for a power bank explosion are as follows: 1. Inferior or refurbished battery cells can easily cause explosions: Many unscrupulous merchants recycle old 18650 battery cells and reassemble them into power banks. Such low-quality power banks not only fail to guarantee charging efficiency but may also lead to terrifying consequences like fires and explosions. 2. Poor-quality circuit boards with malfunctioning regulation functions: Substandard capacitors and circuit boards, paired with inferior battery cells, greatly increase the likelihood of fires and explosions. 3. Avoid high temperatures: High temperatures and open flames can easily cause a power bank to explode.
The risk of power banks exploding in cars during summer is indeed significant, primarily due to high temperatures. Lithium batteries are highly sensitive to heat, and the enclosed space inside a car can rapidly heat up to 60-70°C, far exceeding the normal operating temperature range of power banks. High temperatures can cause uncontrolled chemical reactions within the battery, leading to electrolyte evaporation and the generation of high-pressure gases. Low-quality, uncertified products are more prone to thermal runaway, potentially swelling or leaking first, and in severe cases, directly igniting or exploding. It's advisable not to leave power banks in sun-exposed cars; storing them in the glove compartment or trunk is slightly better but not foolproof. Personally, I make it a habit to take them out of the car or at least cover them with a sunshade to avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing them near lighters or perfumes, as these small items could trigger a chain reaction.
I once saw a colleague's car power bank melt and deform in summer. He had left it on the dashboard exposed to the sun for half a day, and the casing warped. Looking back now, lithium batteries accumulate internal pressure when heated, and even with pressure relief valves, they can't withstand prolonged high temperatures. Especially those counterfeit products with exaggerated capacity claims, which have poor heat dissipation design and weak protection mechanisms—they can fail or catch fire as soon as temperatures rise. I recommend choosing power banks from reputable brands and models, and not going for cheap options. If you must leave it in the car temporarily, remember to turn off the charging state to prevent dual heating from both charging and sun exposure. When getting out of the car, it's best to take it with you in your pocket; placing it under the sunshade on the center console is still better than leaving it by the windshield.
