Investigation of Safety, Environmental Impacts, and Human Health Risks during Crash Testing of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles

Abstract

As the public demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) utilization recently increases, the Lithium-ion Battery (LIB) is being used as a power storage unit due to its high energy density and efficiency. Before an electric car collision, as most severe situations involve batteries made of materials that pose a danger to safety and health, not only to the environment but also to individuals, of course. This paper deals with crash testing of lithium-ion batteries and investigations of these failure modes along with other safety related issues. It also considers the environmental implications of post-crash, recharging and emissions low-frequency polluters contaminants to air; as well as problems recycling rare earths and/or precious metals such as lithium-ion together substances batteries worth lithium, cobalt respectively nickel. This article reviews the human health hazards from these vehicles as they pertain to crash related toxic exposures and end of life disposal with particular attention on their cardiopulmonary effects. From there, the paper examines changes in regulatory frameworks, safety features and battery designs that have since aimed to mitigate some of these issues. This 2013 work underlines progress in lithium-ion battery technology, safety performance testing and environmental health at the interface of these three large volumes of concern.