A 1982 Mazda RX-7 recently came within a hair of catching fire. The cause? A retrofitted lithium battery. So battery fires aren't just a problem in electric cars.
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania, fire department received a call on March 25. At 12:00 p.m., a red 1982 Mazda RX-7 was on fire in a garage.
According to the fire department, the fire highlights a growing concern about the use of lithium-ion batteries as starter batteries in older cars.
It was the owner's wife who discovered the fire. She had smelled smoke and immediately called for help when she saw the burning car.
Investigations quickly pointed to the car's battery as the cause. It turned out that it was not the original battery installed in the classic Japanese car.
The owner had followed a popular trend. He had replaced the standard 12-volt lead-acid starter battery with a modern lithium-ion battery.
And he's certainly not the only one who has done so. Lithium batteries have a higher energy density, are more compact and weigh less. This makes them easier to install in many cars.
Risks of lithium starter batteries
But the new batteries require great caution from the car owner. Charging can be particularly critical for lithium-ion batteries, which are more temperamental than traditional batteries.
The Mazda's battery was connected to a charger inside the garage when the fire broke out. Improper charging or using an unsuitable charger can lead to overheating and, in the worst case, a fire.
The firefighters who arrived on the scene faced a challenge. Lithium-ion battery fires are known to be extremely difficult to completely extinguish.
This is due to a process called thermal runaway. The battery cells can continue to produce intense heat even after the flames have been extinguished. This can cause the battery to re-ignite over and over again.
After some time, however, the firefighters managed to get the burning lithium battery out of the car. Even when it was lying out on the street, the battery continued to glow brightly.
The extent and consequences of the damage
Fortunately for the owner, the 43-year-old Mazda RX-7 was not completely destroyed by the flames. The primary damage was limited to the trunk of the car, where the battery is typically located in that model.
Lancaster Fire Department later confirmed that the lithium battery was the cause of the fire. The incident serves as an important reminder to car owners.
You don't have to drive an electric car to risk a dangerous battery fire caused by lithium technology. Replacing regular starter batteries with lithium-ion types also poses a potential fire risk.
The trend of retrofitting lithium starter batteries, especially in classic and modified cars, therefore requires careful consideration. Car owners should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the correct handling, charging and risks associated with this type of battery.
Interest in classic cars like the ill-fated Mazda RX-7 remains high among car enthusiasts. At Boosted.dk you can delve into many more articles about unique cars, exciting conversions and general car culture.
