The institute noted that the number of recorded accidents reached a record level in 2026.
According to the analysis of Japanese experts, about 57% of the total cases occurred while charging devices, making the charging process the factor most closely linked to battery overheating and fires.
The report indicated that about 21% of the cases were related to products that had previously been recalled from the market due to safety problems, which highlights the importance of checking the condition of devices before using them.
In this context, researchers believe that high temperatures in the summer are one of the main reasons behind the increase in these accidents, as lithium-ion batteries are affected by high temperatures, and may become more susceptible to damage, swelling, or ignition when exposed to inappropriate conditions.
Some cases have been recorded due to portable chargers being left inside cars, so that temperatures inside the cabin can rise to dangerous levels, especially when the car is exposed to direct sunlight for long periods.
The Japanese National Institute of Technology and Evaluation called on users to take a set of preventive measures, most notably placing devices while charging in places that can be seen and monitored, and avoiding leaving them under direct sunlight or inside cars. (Erm News)
