Lithium batteries: what are the risks and what are the best practices for safe and sustainable use?

Why can lithium batteries be dangerous?

Our days begin with them, unfold thanks to them, and end with them. Smartphone, scooter, computer, drill, robotic lawnmower, electric car… behind each of these objects lies a lithium battery that provides the necessary energy. They are everywhere around us, sometimes without us even realizing it.

These small sources of energy offer us autonomy, mobility, and speed. They make our daily lives simpler, more connected, and sometimes even a little magical: turning on your computer with a click, traveling around town effortlessly, or listening to your favorite music without interruption. But, like any powerful companion, lithium batteries require respect and attention. If misused, they can be unpredictable, overheat, deteriorate, or even become dangerous. Understanding how they work and adopting the right practices is therefore essential to enjoying their benefits safely.

What is a lithium battery?

A lithium battery is an electrical energy storage device based on chemical reactions between lithium and other materials. Compact yet powerful, it concentrates a large amount of energy in a small volume, making it ideal for mobile devices and electric vehicles.

The most common lithium batteries are Li-ion, Li-Po, LFP, and NMC. Each has its own characteristics, but all share one rule: they must be handled with care.

Each battery contains several cells assembled into a block, with integrated control components to manage voltage, current, and temperature. This complex structure is what allows a smartphone to last all day or an electric car to travel hundreds of kilometers. But this energy density also implies a certain fragility: overcharging, shock, overheating, or internal defects can cause serious problems.

To get a more concrete idea, imagine a small box containing as much energy as several kilograms of conventional batteries… That’s the power of a lithium battery, but this power relies on a particularly delicate chemical balance:

• • highly reactive elements,
  • precise temperature control,
  • onboard electronics to manage charging,
  • materials sensitive to both internal and external shocks.
  • It’s this density that allows it to power a car, a professional drill, or an ultra-thin smartphone.

The more power a battery delivers, the more crucial it is to adopt the right practices to avoid risks and ensure its long-term performance.

At Be Energy, we see every day how these batteries can surprise us. A small anomaly in the structure, a slightly excessive temperature, or a charge that’s too rapid, and the system becomes unstable. The more concentrated the energy, the greater the vigilance required. That is why we have developed very strict methodologies and processes for handling and storing these batteries, and why we insist so much on caution with our customers.

Even though they seem simple to use, lithium batteries require a few precautions to avoid any accidents. Here are some everyday precautions to take:

• Use slow charging whenever possible. Fast charging generates more heat and puts more strain on the battery.
• Do not charge on soft or flammable surfaces, such as a bed or sofa, to minimize the risk of overheating.
• Unplug the battery after it is fully charged to avoid unnecessary overcharging.
• Keep the battery between 20% and 80% charge, and ideally charge at an ambient temperature between 10°C and 30°C.
• Isolate any battery that is swollen, smelly, or abnormally hot: these signs indicate a malfunction that should not be ignored.

These simple steps help extend battery life while protecting the user and the surrounding environment.

What to do when a battery seems to be out of order?

A “dead” battery still contains energy and can remain dangerous if mishandled. The correct precautions are:

Don’t do this:

• • Never puncture, crush, or disassemble the battery yourself.
  • Do not leave it in a bag, drawer, warm car, or near heat sources.
  • Do not throw it in the trash.

Do this:

• • Insulate the battery in a non-metallic, dry container with insulation (cardboard, dry sand).
  • Maintain a charge level of approximately 30 to 60%, neither completely empty nor fully charged.
  • Remove the battery to a specialized collection point as soon as possible.

A lithium battery is not an everyday object like any other.

It is an energy carrier that remains active even when stationary.

These simple precautions prevent household accidents and ensure appropriate professional handling.

Giving a second life: refurbishment

Not all “used” batteries are lost. Many can be reconditioned. This involves testing the cells, identifying those that are still functional, and replacing only the defective ones. The result: a working battery pack given a second life.

Electric bike or vehicle batteries can also be repurposed and become stationary systems for residential solar power, off-grid lighting, backup power, etc. This is known as “reuse.”

Our approach at Be Energy

At Be Energy, we collect and refurbish used lithium batteries to give them a second life. Each battery undergoes a thorough diagnostic to determine its reuse potential. Defective cells are replaced, and the rebuilt batteries become functional, safe, and reliable.

To ensure maximum safety during handling and storage, we developed the PTS 800 (Safe Workplace), a patented work environment that continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and any signs of malfunction. In case of a problem, the system can automatically isolate the battery, protecting operators and equipment.

Our storage protocols include:

• • Differentiating batteries according to their technology (Li-ion, LFP, NMC) using clear labeling.
  • Storing them at an intermediate charge level, between 40% and 60%, to limit the risks associated with overcharging or deep discharging.
  • The isolation of potentially defective batteries, in non-metallic containers and in a dry environment.

When the batteries are no longer reusable, they are sent to specialized recycling and recovery facilities, ensuring a responsible and circular approach.

End-of-life management of lithium batteries

Recycling or refurbishing extends the lifecycle of a complex and strategic product. Each battery processed in this way contributes to:

• • Reducing the demand for critical raw materials.
  • Limiting domestic and environmental risks.
  • Participating in a circular economy that values ​​energy and materials.

Adopting these practices means considering the battery not as a mere object, but as an integral part of our daily energy consumption, to be used with care, respect, and responsibility.

Recommendations for charging and cycling

To get the most out of your lithium battery while ensuring its safety:

• • Avoid full charges to 100% or repeated deep discharges.
  • Use a charger that is compatible with your device.
  • Do not leave the battery plugged in permanently once it is fully charged.
  • Keep the battery at room temperature whenever possible.

These simple steps will extend its lifespan, reduce risks, and promote sustainable energy consumption.

Conclusion: responsible and sustainable use

Lithium batteries have become indispensable in our daily lives, offering freedom, mobility, and connectivity. But their power and energy density demand thoughtful and responsible use. Understanding how they work, adopting best practices, and relying on professionals like Be Energy for their refurbishment or recycling ensures safe, sustainable, and responsible use.

Lithium batteries are powerful allies in our daily lives. They make our lives smoother, our journeys simpler, and our leisure activities more connected. But their power demands caution and responsibility.

At Be Energy, we believe that safety, reuse, and sustainability can go hand in hand. By adopting best practices and trusting experts for refurbishment, each battery can find a second life, while reducing our impact on natural resources and enhancing everyone’s safety.

A battery is not just an object.
It’s a promise of energy — and a commitment to responsibility.