Is LiFePO₄ safe? Can it catch fire?

LiFePO₄ is the most thermally stable lithium chemistry in commercial use, and the distinction from other lithium chemistries is real rather than promotional. Lithium iron phosphate has a strong phosphate-oxygen bond and a much higher thermal decomposition temperature than the NMC and NCA chemistries used in electric vehicles, laptops, phones and e-scooters.

It is not however incombustible, and any supplier telling you a lithium battery carries no fire risk is overclaiming. What reduces risk to an acceptable level is the combination of: the chemistry, a competent battery management system with over-voltage, over-current, short-circuit and over- and under-temperature protection, correct charge control, adequate thermal management, and installation to the applicable standard.

SOLiCORE’s protections include a composite polymer electrolyte with reduced free liquid, an integrated battery management system with cell-level monitoring and protection, an IP54 metal case, and low temperature rise under load. It is certified to IEC 62619 (which includes mandatory thermal propagation testing), UN 38.3 and UL 1973, and tested to UL 9540A.