LFP Batteries & the Reduction of Fire Risk in Electric 2 Wheelers

March 18, 2025. By News Bureau

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articles

LFP Batteries

Electric two-wheelers

OPG Mobility

Anshul Gupta

Electric Vehicle Industry

Electric Vehicles

Electric mobility

Fire Risk Dilemma in Electric Two-Wheelers

The rapid adoption of electric two-wheelers (e2Ws) in the past few years has led to a major transition towards clean and sustainable modes of transportation. With the advancement of the electric vehicle market, safety issues are increasingly becoming a focus, especially the dangers of battery technology fires. While much of the revolution in electric mobility has been driven by Li-ion batteries, the search for alternatives has intensified owing to the ever-growing concerns about fires.

The Fire Risk Dilemma in Electric Two-Wheelers
The lithium-ion batteries that power various electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, have exhibited safety issues, especially fire accidents. One of the main concerns on fire risk e2Ws is the technology’s thermal runaway potential – a situation when the battery reaches a temperature that uncontrollably sets off a fire.

Several notable incidents in different markets have shed light on this problem. In India, for example, the increasing acceptance of electric scooters has been accompanied by a large number of fire incidents due to battery, charging system, or battery management failures. Such incidents not only tarnish the public image but also raise questions on the power source of these vehicles in terms of their longevity and safety, reliability, and quality.

Electric two-wheelers have been gaining popularity as a more environmental-friendly option compared to traditional combustion engine scooters and bikes. However, if safety issues are not addressed, the long-term feasibility of this technology may be jeopardized. This has resulted in a greater emphasis being put on battery innovations that lower fire hazards, and LFP batteries have emerged as the frontrunner in this regard.

What Sets LFP Batteries Apart?
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are one of the many categories of lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery differs from others in one angle, its chemical structure. In LFP batteries, the cathode is made from iron phosphate (LiFePO4), as opposed to cobalt, manganese, or nickel-based batteries. This simple change has profound safety implications.

Remember that LFP batteries have superior thermal stability as their main strength. While traditional lithium-ion batteries have the potential for thermal runaway, lithium polymer batteries have, at high temperatures, much more range to fail without damage and are much less likely to burn in extreme conditions. The main advantage: LFP batteries are significantly safer in case of an accident or manufacturing defect.

LFP batteries provide extended lifespan up to 2,000 charge cycles and enhanced safety for scooters, marking each charge and discharge cycle with a battery degradation rate on the lower spectrum. This might help in preventing hazardous actions from occurring as a result of degradation. Moreover, LFP batteries are known to be highly sustainable since Iron and Phosphate which are abundant and fairly less toxic are used in replacement of Cobalt which is a precious resource. LFP batteries are sustainable from the resource mining stage as well as from the disposal stage, making them environmentally friendly.

LFP batteries show greater tolerance towards physical abuse. Unlike other lithium base batteries where a punctured or crushed battery can easily ignite, LFP cells remain non-reactive and stable, reducing the chances of damage from shocks or impacts.

How LFP Batteries Mitigate Fire Risks in Electric Two-Wheelers?
Addressing fire safety issues is a crucial reason why LFP batteries have found acceptance in electric two-wheelers. So long as the potential of thermal runaway is kept under control, the danger of fire outbreaks is significantly reduced. This is especially true during high-temperature environments, or when an accident occurs since battery damage increases the risk of fire.

Enhanced features of LFP technology have made it possible for manufacturers to add these batteries in almost every e2W model without degrading the range and performance. These benefits are being seen in some of the latest electric scooters and motorcycles that use LFP batteries which are believed to be safer than their lithium-ion rivals.

The Growing Shift toward LFP
More and more industries are accepting LFP batteries as they are considerably safer and easier to use. According to a couple of industry reports, it is stated that LFP batteries are expected to make up 30% of the global market share for electric vehicles by 2025. The increase in sales is expected to arise from the fact that their design is safer and their performance is steadily increasing which makes them useful for a wider array of electric vehicles including bikes.

Countries like India which have heightened concerns regarding battery fires are starting to transition towards LFP batteries. A number of manufacturers are adopting LFP technology for their electric scooters, which helps address safety and reliability concerns associated with traditional battery systems. As more and more people demand LFP batteries, manufacturers are being forced to find safer and cost-effective ways to solve them, and in the process, transforming the electric two-wheeler market.

A Safer, More Sustainable Future
In conclusion, LFP batteries have the potential to revolutionize electric mobility because of their integral design as they are more accident-prone, longer lasting, and eco-friendly compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. In addition to significantly lowering the probability of battery inducing fires, LFP technology solves one of the greatest challenges in the electric two-wheeler market and fosters confidence in the full-scale adoption of electric vehicles.

As LFP batteries are more commonly adopted in electric two-wheelers, we can hope for a world in which electric mobility is safer, more durable, and highly sustainable. By having the ability to lower the probability of fire incidents alongside improved battery life, LFP batteries are bound to greatly impact the electric vehicle industry.

- Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, OPG Mobility