Application of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in electrified transportation and renewable grid is growing at a very fast pace for decarbonization of the passenger vehicles by 2035. Due to the characteristics of current LIB technologies, although rare, there is potential for thermal runaway and fires as seen by recent fires in Tesla Model S, Chevy Bolt, and grid storage system in an Arizona Utility. Increased severity of fire incidents with more advanced energy dense LIBs, especially cathodes with higher Ni and anodes with silicon or lithium, is expected. 

In this tutorial we will: 1) discuss fundamental causes for safety issues leading to thermal runway and fire, 2) review abuse behavior of cells and packs through characterization, testing, and modeling/simulations, 3) provide overview of approaches that could reduce safety risks and detect impending failures, and 4) provide references as a resource for accessing more information. 

• LIB Applications 
• LIB Introduction  
  a. Battery Fundamentals 
  b. Battery Chemistries 
  c. Cell Designs 
• LIB Safety and Abuse 
  a. LIB Fires  
  b. Instigators for Thermal Runaway 
  c. Battery Abuse Characterization and Testing Equipment  
  d. Battery Abuse Modeling/Simulation Tools 
• Approaches for Designing Safer Cells and Modules – Recent Progress 
• EV Pack and System Safety 
• Remarks on Safe Handling of LIBs 
• Summary