Towards safer lithium-ion batteries: innovations and technologies to watch

Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the energy transition and electric mobility. They power cars, bicycles, energy storage systems, and electronic devices. But despite their performance, they still present a major risk: thermal runaway, which can cause fires that are sometimes uncontrollable.

Fortunately, research is progressing rapidly. New technologies are aiming to make these batteries more stable, more durable, and safer, while meeting the growing demands of industry and users.

Security flaws in current lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, but their chemical design makes them sensitive to certain conditions.

Here are the main causes of reported incidents:

Overheating and thermal runaway: Excess heat triggers an uncontrollable chain reaction.
Mechanical defects: Punctures or impacts cause internal short circuits.
Aging and overload : Over time, the electrodes degrade, increasing the risk of failure.

These risks are particularly critical in electric vehicles, logistics centers and storage areas, where the quantity of batteries amplifies the consequences of an incident.

Solid-state batteries : the most promising avenue

Researchers agree that solid-state batteries represent the next major advancement.
Unlike current liquid electrolytes, which are flammable and unstable, solid electrolytes—made of ceramics or polymers—eliminate the risk of ignition while improving performance.

The tangible benefits :

Increased safety : no risk of leakage or ignition.
Higher energy density : better range at the same weight.
Extended lifespan : less chemical degradation.

These batteries are expected to equip the first electric vehicles by 2027 to 2030, with a major impact on the safety and sustainability of fleets.

Smart separators and heat-resistant materials

Another key innovation: heat-resistant separators.

Their role is to instantly block the passage of ions in case of overheating. Some prototypes react at temperatures as low as 120°C, stopping the chemical reaction before it can spiral out of control.

These technologies make it possible to limit the spread of fire from one cell to another, a critical issue in high-density modules such as those in electric vehicles or industrial batteries.

Embedded intelligence: prevention first

Security also relies on real-time monitoring.
New battery management systems (BMS) now incorporate:

Temperature, pressure, and gas sensors ;
AI-based predictive algorithms to anticipate anomalies ;
Automated alerts to prevent overheating or overloading.

These innovations make prevention more effective than intervention.

They are already being applied in the automotive, logistics, and stationary energy storage sectors.

intelligence embarquée batteries lithium-ion

Containment solutions: the last line of defense

Even with the best innovations, there is no such thing as zero risk. That’s why it remains essential to have reliable solutions for containing a lithium battery fire.

VLICOVER solutions

VLICOVER fire covers, specially designed for lithium-ion batteries, allow you to :

To isolate the source of the fire,
To limit the spread,
Et de sécuriser les zones de stockage ou d’intervention.

Certified and tested according to European standards, they provide an immediate response to fires that are difficult to extinguish.

They integrate perfectly into industrial, logistics, or electrical maintenance environments.

A safer and more sustainable future

Beyond security, innovations are also geared towards :

Recyclable and eco-designed batteries,
Less polluting manufacturing processes,
Complete traceability of the materials used.

This development, supported by European regulations, paves the way for a new generation of cleaner, more efficient, and safer batteries.

Conclusion

The future of lithium-ion batteries hinges on a dual approach: innovating for greater safety while ensuring a sustainable energy transition.
Thanks to cutting-edge technologies and solutions like those offered by VLICOVER, the industry can move towards a future where performance no longer comes at the expense of safety.