Will a Power Bank Explode in the Car During Summer?

[DiIsabelle]

There is a possibility of explosion or spontaneous combustion under high temperatures. This is because most power banks contain lithium batteries, which are highly prone to explosion when exposed to direct sunlight in a confined car environment where temperatures can exceed 80 degrees Celsius. Below is relevant information about power banks: Introduction to Power Banks: A power bank is a device that can directly charge mobile devices and has its own energy storage unit. The main types of power banks on the market today are multifunctional, most of which come with standard USB outputs. They can generally meet the charging needs of various common mobile devices such as smartphones, MP3 players, MP4 players, PDAs, PSPs, Bluetooth headsets, and digital cameras. Essentially, a power bank is a convenient and portable large-capacity power source. It is a portable device that integrates energy storage, voltage boosting, and charging management. Functions of Power Banks: A power bank can charge mobile devices directly via an AC power source through its built-in charging plug and also has its own energy storage unit. It is essentially a hybrid of a charger and a backup battery, simplifying the setup by eliminating the need for an additional charging plug compared to a traditional backup power source.

[VanPaisley]

Keeping power banks in the car during summer does pose an explosion risk, and I know this very well because a friend of mine did exactly that last summer, nearly causing a car fire. High temperatures can destabilize the chemical components inside lithium batteries. When the car interior heats up to over 60°C—like an oven—the battery may swell, leak, or even smoke and explode. I never leave electronic devices like phones or cameras in the car when parked under the sun in summer. My advice: don’t cut corners—take the power bank out and store it in your bag or bring it home. If removal isn’t possible, place it in a shaded spot like under the floor mat to avoid direct sunlight. This isn’t overreacting; safety comes first, especially as temperatures rise before the rainy season. Staying vigilant prevents accidents. Also, power bank quality matters—cheap off-brand products are more prone to issues, so invest in reputable brands. Saving small money isn’t worth risking bigger losses.

[DeElle]

I think the risk of power banks exploding in cars during summer is quite significant. I've heard about similar incidents a long time ago. Lithium batteries can go crazy when exposed to high temperatures—just imagine, with outdoor temperatures at 40°C in summer, the temperature inside a car can soar above 70°C, especially in cars with black interiors, where it gets even hotter. In such conditions, if the battery short-circuits or deteriorates in an enclosed space, it can easily catch fire or even explode. I always remind my family not to leave power banks in the car, especially when traveling with kids. Personally, I make it a habit to check before getting out of the car, taking out power banks, tablets, and other electronics to store them indoors. If an explosion were to happen, not only would the devices be damaged, but windows might also crack, leading to costly repairs. I recommend parking in shaded areas and using sunshades to protect the car, which helps reduce the strain on electronic devices. Additionally, regular maintenance for power banks is essential—don’t use them for too long, and replace them every two or three years for better safety.

[VonSawyer]

Power banks may explode in cars during summer, and the reason is simple: lithium batteries fear high temperatures. Having worked with these electronic devices for years, I know they contain small batteries inside, and rapid chemical reactions under high heat can easily lead to overheating and fire. Just think about it—summer car temperatures can soar to 60°C (140°F) in minutes, turning the interior into a steamer under direct sunlight. In such conditions, if the power bank's casing deforms or internal issues arise, a single spark can trigger an explosion. My advice is not to leave them in the car, especially during long parking periods. If you must, store them in a shaded compartment, away from the dashboard. This habit can save a lot of trouble—don’t wait for an accident to regret it.