[Skybird]

These batteries hold much more energy than a normal battery, and an ebike akku - well, I have two such batteries holding 500 Wh each. That should really be a security concern, cause if any of them has an electronic malfunction in the battery management electronic circuits, it can go off like a grenade - just hotter in temperature.

One or two weeks ago a Tesla exploded over here after it hit against a tree. The fire brigade kept it in a water tank for over one day because Tesla was not able or willing to tell them sooner how to extinguish the chemical fire in its batteries reliably. I also remind of the two fires aboard the Boeing 787, and the fact that such batteries in air freight must be reduced in their charging status to a maximum of 30%, and are object to further restrictions and safety regulations. In the EU, shipping batteries form seller to buyer via land mail also is subject to regulations and a mandatory obligation that such parcels must be specially marked.

Lithium is a highly reactive agent. You are not safe if you deal with lithium batteries like you would with just any normal battery. And ebike batteries really pack a punch. (Thats why I do not load them beyond 50% when storing them, and charge them to not more than 90% one or two hours before I do a tour. Ideally I keep them at 40-50%, so that I can use them for any quickly emerging need in city traffic, while having their potential power in case of desaster halved or more this way. It also increases the longevity of Lithium batteries if you keep them operating - charging and discharging - between 33% and 66%. Avoid the maximums, if possible. Lithium batteries love to fluctuate in the middle third of their capacity. I reset them just once per year.)

Lithium fires burn hotter than ordinary fires, and are much more difficult to extinguish. Water may not reliably work.

All this has nothing to do with "panic". Its just reasonable preparation, like using seatbelts when driving.