Will Power Banks Explode If Left in a Car During Summer?
3 Answers
Leaving a power bank in a car during summer is highly likely to cause an explosion. Here are the reasons why power banks may explode: 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 inferior products not only fail to guarantee charging efficiency but may also lead to dangerous consequences like fires and explosions. 2. Poor-quality circuit boards with malfunctioning regulation functions: Low-quality capacitors and circuit boards, combined with inferior battery cells, significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion. 3. High temperatures and open flames can easily cause power banks to explode: Some people place power banks in high-temperature or flammable environments, which is very dangerous. Even the best power banks can explode under high temperatures or open flames, so it is essential to remain vigilant when using them.
As an ordinary person who shares life experiences online year-round, I believe that leaving power banks in cars during summer does pose an explosion risk, which is no trivial matter. I've personally seen cases shared in videos where car temperatures soared above 60°C in summer—under such extreme heat, lithium batteries can easily overheat and fail. Last year, my neighbor carelessly left a power bank on the dashboard, and after a few hours of sun exposure, the car started smoking and triggered the alarm, nearly catching fire. Lithium batteries are typically designed to operate safely between -20°C and 60°C, but direct sunlight in a car can push temperatures beyond 70°C, causing the internal electrolyte to boil and pressure to build up, leading to swelling or even fire. Low-quality power banks are even riskier due to inferior materials and weak protection mechanisms. So, I strongly advise against the convenience of leaving power banks in cars during scorching summers—make it a habit to carry them with you or store them in a cool place. Opting for certified, reputable brands can reduce risks, but safety should always come first—never gamble with luck, especially since cars contain other flammable materials. An accident could not only result in property damage but also endanger lives, so pre-drive checks are essential.
As someone who frequently delves into the principles of electronic devices, I believe that leaving a power bank in a car during summer can easily lead to explosions due to high temperatures causing lithium-ion batteries to become unstable. Inside a lithium-ion battery, there are positive and negative electrodes along with an electrolyte. High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, and exceeding 45 degrees Celsius starts to become dangerous. I recall reading a study that showed car interiors can reach up to 70 degrees Celsius in summer, far exceeding the battery's tolerance limit. At this point, the battery may experience thermal runaway: the vaporization of the electrolyte leads to a sharp increase in pressure, causing an explosion. Poor-quality products with failed protection circuits can make the situation worse. Based on experience, it's advisable to avoid direct sunlight and place the power bank under a sunshade or inside a bag. Additionally, regularly check the condition of the power bank, such as looking for any swelling or cracks on the surface. Of course, the safest option is not to leave it in the car at all—take it with you when parking. If it must be left in the car, choose cooler times like early morning for short-term use and avoid leaving it overnight. Developing such habits among drivers can prevent major troubles.
