Mechanical issues of lithium-ion batteries in road traffic conditions: a review

The escalating challenges of the energy crisis and environmental pollution have propelled the development of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry as a response to the demand for low-carbon solutions. Known for its high energy density, extended lifespan, and robust stability, LIB has become the preferred power source for electric vehicles, with safety concerns demanding significant attention. Mechanical abuse stands out as a significant contributor to battery fire and explosion incidents, prompting the establishment of safety standards and heightened concerns in this regard. According to the road traffic conditions, mechanical abuse is categorized into three forms: vibration, mechanical shock, and crash in this review. Each is individually discussed, covering corresponding real traffic scenarios, relevant safety standards, and experimental methodologies. The review then delves into the failure behaviors including mechanical, electrochemical and thermal performance, and the associated observation methods. Finally, existing mechanical modeling methods and their applications are summarized. The paper aims to comprehensively explore the mechanical abuse behaviors and research methodologies applicable to LIBs in traffic scenarios, ultimately providing engineering guidance to enhance the safety performance of LIBs.