The transition to electric mobility is accelerating worldwide, bringing new opportunities for sustainable transport alongside new safety challenges. Among these, the fire safety aspects of lithium-ion batteries have become an increasingly important topic for engineers, industry stakeholders, emergency responders, and public authorities. As part of the eMOBILNOST project, Dr Ulises Rojas-Alva from the FRISSBE Department recently delivered a specialised lecture focusing on the fire safety challenges associated with lithium-ion batteries and battery-powered mobility solutions.

The lecture gave participants an overview of the fundamental mechanisms behind lithium-ion battery failures and fires, including thermal runaway, ignition processes, fire development, toxic and flammable gas release, and explosion hazards. Participants also learned the current scientific understanding of battery fire behaviour, lessons from real-world incidents, and recent advances in battery fire testing, risk assessment, and fire safety engineering. The session also covered the role of fire safety across the battery value chain, including design, manufacturing, transportation, operation, storage, end-of-life management, and emergency response. The session highlighted the importance of integrating fire safety considerations from the earliest stages of technology development to support the safe and sustainable deployment of electrified mobility systems.

The eMOBILNOST project made this educational activity possible and supports knowledge transfer, innovation, and capacity building in electric mobility and advanced energy technologies. Through initiatives such as this lecture, the project strengthens expertise and raises awareness of the technical challenges associated with the ongoing transition to low-carbon transport solutions.

At FRISSBE, we remain committed to bridging scientific research and practical implementation by sharing state-of-the-art knowledge with professionals, industry partners, public authorities, and the wider community. Promoting a better understanding of battery fire safety is essential to ensuring that the transition to sustainable mobility is both innovative and safe.