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Dustin Herte, CFEI, Energy Forensics Group In the realm of product liability and subrogation, lithium-ion battery fires present a unique challenge. When a power tool or e-bike battery undergoes thermal runaway, the resulting damage is often catastrophic, leaving behind a charred narrative that seemingly points to a manufacturing defect. However, for legal counsel, assuming a manufacturing defect as the sole cause can be a premature conclusion. As investigators, our role is to

Dustin Herte, CFEI, Energy Forensics Group Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Mechanisms, Causes, and Forensic Analysis Lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous, powering everything from e-bikes to electric power tools. However, their high energy and power density, errors in manufacturing and user error can all contribute to occasional dangerous fires or explosions. For product liability attorneys and investigators, understanding how these fires start—and what evidence remains—is crucial