Repair specialists iFixit decided we all needed a visual reminder of how dangerous rechargeable batteries can be, so it spent seven minutes trying to make them explode.
iFixit is focused on encouraging us all to repair our own devices rather than replace them, but carrying out a repair usually means dealing with a battery. They are dangerous if not handled correctly, and especially if they are fully charged when you open your device. Don’t you believe me? PCMag went into detail of why batteries explode, and iFixit produced the video below demonstrating what happens when they do.
This video also acts as a reminder of why nobody should use a battery that has been damaged. Even if the damage is minor and everything seems fine, your battery could be on the verge of thermal runaway and really should be either looked at by a professional or replaced for safety.
The good news is, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires should disappear eventually because there’s a better alternative on the horizon. Solid state batteries hold the promise of significantly more charge capacity, faster recharging, and because they do not contain liquid electrolytes, the risk of fire is greatly reduced when they are damaged.
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