LITHIUM-ION BATTERY FIRE TESTING

The United States Coast Guard is seeking to understand the risks posed by lithium-ion battery fires from electric micro-mobility devices aboard commercial passenger ferries. With the growing use of electric bicycles and scooters by passengers, the potential for thermal runaway and fire propagation in confined stowage areas presents a critical safety concern that could jeopardize lives and vessel integrity. The project aims to conduct high-fidelity empirical testing to observe how battery fires behave under realistic maritime conditions and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing suppression systems in such environments. This research will generate essential data to inform evidence-based policy, update fire safety regulations, and improve crew training protocols for responding to battery-related incidents at sea. The study focuses specifically on e-bikes, which contain larger battery capacities than e-scooters, making them a higher risk scenario. Testing will simulate real-world stowage configurations found on ferries to capture accurate fire dynamics, including heat release rates, gas emissions, and the spread of thermal runaway to adjacent batteries. Findings will directly influence future standards for battery storage, ventilation, fire detection, and suppression on maritime vessels carrying EMMDs. The Coast Guard is partnering with qualified researchers and industry experts to ensure the results are actionable and scalable across the commercial ferry industry, with the ultimate goal of enhancing overall maritime safety. Point of contact for inquiries includes Joshua Pennington and Monica Cisternelli, with Mark Solomon available for small business coordination.