Ready for the Road? A Socio-Technical Investigation of Fire Safety Improvement Options for Lithium-Ion Traction Batteries

Arjan F. Kirkels, Jeroen Bleker and Henny A. Romijn
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Arjan F. Kirkels: School of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Jeroen Bleker: ELEO Technologies, Automotive Campus 30, 5708 JZ Helmond, The Netherlands
Henny A. Romijn: School of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: Battery technology is crucial in the transition towards electric mobility. Lithium-ion batteries are conquering the market but are facing fire safety risks that might threaten further applications. In this study, we address the problem and potential solutions for traction batteries in the European Union area. We do so by taking a unique socio-technical system perspective. Therefore, a novel, mixed-method approach is applied, combining literature review; stakeholder interviews; Failure Mode, Mechanisms, and Event Analysis (FMMEA); and rapid prototyping. Our findings confirm that fire safety is an upcoming concern. Still, most stakeholders lack a full understanding of the problem. Improving safety is a shared responsibility among supply chain and societal stakeholders. For automotive applications, voluntary standard-setting on safety risks is an appropriate tool to improve fire safety, whereas for niche applications, a top-down approach setting regulations seems more suited. For both groups, the adaptation of battery pack designs to prevent thermal runaway propagation is shown to be promising from a technological, practical, and organizational perspective. The chosen mixed-method approach allowed for a holistic analysis of the problems and potential solutions. As such, it can serve as an empowerment strategy for stakeholders in the field, stimulating further discussion, agenda building, and action.

Keywords: battery safety; electrical vehicles; socio-technical system; rapid prototyping; stakeholders; policy; development pathways (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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