Electric Vehicle Battery Leakage: What to Do and Can You Still Use It?

As the energy storage device and core power component of electric vehicles, the safety of the battery directly affects our personal and property safety. During long-term use, some users may encounter battery leakage, which raises a series of questions: What causes leakage? Can a leaking battery still be used? How should we properly handle leakage? Let’s take a look!

First, the most important point: If the battery leaks, stop using it immediately!

If the battery shows any of the following conditions, stop using it immediately:

• Cracked casing or liquid seepage
• White or yellow powder at the terminals
• Pungent acidic or unusual odor
• Bulging casing with liquid oozing out

Leakage means the internal seal has failed, the casing is damaged, or internal pressure is abnormal. Continuing to use it will worsen the problem. The leaked electrolyte is corrosive and can damage wiring, destroy insulation, cause short circuits, and lead to overheating or even more serious safety incidents. Remember, leakage is irreversible damage; there is no safe solution like “wipe it and add some fluid to keep using.”

Why does battery leakage occur?

1. Long service life and natural aging: After reaching the end of its lifespan, internal materials degrade and seals age, making leakage more likely.
2. Overcharging or using non-original chargers: Current mismatch or prolonged overcharging can cause internal gas generation and pressure buildup, rupturing the casing.
3. High-temperature exposure or prolonged use in hot environments: High temperatures accelerate seal aging and internal reactions, leading to bulging and leakage.
4. Dropping, impact, crushing, or improper installation: Physical damage directly causes casing cracks and seal failure.
5. Poor battery quality: Inferior cells or substandard sealing processes can cause leakage shortly after use.

Choosing reputable brands, original genuine products, and batteries that meet national safety standards can significantly reduce the risk of leakage.

Proper steps to handle battery leakage

1. Stop using immediately and keep away from people and flammable materials. When leakage is found, disconnect power, stop charging and using, and move the battery to an outdoor, well-ventilated, safe area away from flammable items.
2. Do not touch with bare hands; wear protective gear. Electrolyte is corrosive and can cause burns or allergies on skin. Wear rubber gloves when handling leaking batteries; never directly wipe liquids or crystalline powder with bare hands.
3. Simple isolation, no unauthorized disassembly. Do not attempt to pry open, repair, or add fluid to the battery. Keep away from fire sources and wrap the battery in a dry, corrosion-resistant plastic bag to prevent further leakage.
4. Contact professionals and official after-sales service. Immediately contact the store where you purchased the battery, the brand’s after-sales service, or a professional technician for proper recycling, inspection, and disposal.

How to prevent battery leakage?

• Use the original charger; do not mix or modify chargers.
• Avoid high-temperature exposure and charging in hot conditions.
• Do not overcharge, deeply discharge, or leave the battery idle for long periods.
• Ensure secure installation to avoid vibration, impact, or crushing.
• Regularly inspect the battery for bulging, overheating, or unusual odors, and address issues early.
• Choose batteries from reputable manufacturers with safety certifications and reliable after-sales service.

Cane Energy, as a professional battery manufacturer, always uses safe sealing structures and reliable production processes, strictly adhering to national quality and safety standards. Battery safety is no small matter; safety comes first. Proper use, scientific maintenance, and choosing genuine products ensure safer and more durable batteries.