A review of safety issues in lithium-ion battery transportation process: Research advances and challenges

Abstract

The growing demand for lithium-ion battery transportation, coupled with inadequate regulatory frameworks, has led to frequent fire incidents during transit, resulting in substantial losses of life and property. These recurring accidents underscore the urgent need to enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries throughout the transportation process. This review begins by identifying key factors affecting battery safety during transport, such as mechanical abuse, thermal abuse, air pressure variations, and salt concentration. It then synthesizes current technological advancements and real-world battery transportation scenarios to conduct a targeted analysis of the critical technical challenges constraining transportation safety limits—specifically, ventilation and heat dissipation strategies, thermal monitoring, and fire safety design—while systematically examining the limitations of existing research. Accordingly, the paper proposes actionable recommendations and technical measures to improve the safety of lithium-ion battery transportation. Additionally, it outlines existing international standards and testing protocols governing lithium-ion battery transport and highlights shortcomings in the current regulatory landscape. The insights presented herein could provide valuable guidance for optimizing safety protocols in the transportation of lithium-ion batteries.