How safe are lithium-ion batteries?

Safety issues are key to a wider adoption of electric mobility. Due to the high energy density in lithium-ion batteries and the corresponding high voltage level, electric vehicles have to fulfill new safety requirements. The functional, electrical, chemical and mechanical safety of the electric vehicle needs to be guaranteed. Battery management systems, responsible for all functions that control and regulate the battery, permanently monitor every individual cell. In case of a defect, they completely switch off the electrical system. Beyond the requirements for conventional vehicles, electric vehicles need to meet additional legally defined and standardized requirements for electric cars. As a result, electric vehicles are just as safe as conventional vehicles.