UL Report Warns of Rechargeable Battery Safety Risks
News related to:UL Standards & Engagement · 2 min read
Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- UL Standards & Engagement has released a new report examining the rapid growth of rechargeable battery technology and the safety challenges that come with it.
According to the report, rechargeable batteries have become ubiquitous in American life, with 98% of consumers owning at least one rechargeable device. The average person owns nine battery-powered devices, ranging from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and electric vehicles. The expansion of rechargeable technology extends beyond traditional consumer electronics into critical infrastructure, such as battery energy storage systems used in homes, data centers, and the electric grid.
However, the report also points out that as the presence of rechargeable batteries grows, so do the safety risks. Consumers are often unfamiliar with lithium-ion battery technology and how to use it safely. Only 43% of consumers know what a lithium-ion battery is, and 59% are unfamiliar with ways to reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Additionally, 36% are unsure or believe it is safe to throw old batteries in household trash or recycling, which can lead to fire hazards.
The growth of e-commerce is exacerbating the issue by making it easier for consumers to purchase counterfeit and substandard battery products. More than half (56%) of consumers report purchasing rechargeable products from online marketplaces where differences in battery quality, manufacturing controls, testing, certification, and safety performance can be difficult to spot.
Jeff Marootian, president and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, emphasized the importance of safety standards in addressing these risks. "Building trust in a rechargeable society requires more than addressing risks after they emerge. It means anticipating where technology is going, understanding the risks that come with innovation, and bringing the right people together to address them," he said.
UL Standards & Engagement has developed a range of standards addressing battery safety, performance, and sustainability across applications, building on more than a century of expertise in safety science. The report highlights the role of these standards in supporting innovation as battery technology continues to mature and accelerate.
The full report can be accessed at ulse.org/battery-safety-report.