Core Viewpoint - Recent safety issues with power banks have raised alarms in the energy storage industry, highlighting risks associated with the outsourcing production model [1][3]. Group 1: Recent Events - Anker announced a recall of four power bank models due to the use of substandard materials by its battery supplier, which could lead to internal short circuits [1]. - The National Market Supervision Administration reported a 43.6% non-compliance rate in power bank quality checks, leading to over 2 million product recalls from brands like Anker and Romoss [2]. Group 2: Outsourcing Model in Energy Storage - The outsourcing model for energy storage cells is becoming common as companies focus on R&D and branding while outsourcing production to meet market demand quickly [4][5]. - This model reduces fixed asset investment risks and shortens time to market, but it introduces significant supply chain risks, including raw material price fluctuations and quality control issues [6]. Group 3: Risks of Outsourcing - The complexity of energy cell production increases quality risks, as outsourcing diminishes brand control over the supply chain and quality monitoring [7]. - Energy cells are larger and more complex than consumer batteries, and quality defects can lead to severe consequences, including fires or explosions [8]. Group 4: Four Major Risks of Outsourcing - Material Control Issues: Outsourcing can lead to critical material changes without proper oversight, as seen in the Anker incident [9]. - Temporary Production Lines: Many factories are not specialized in energy cells, leading to potential quality issues due to inadequate production conditions [10]. - Limited Technical Capability: Workers at outsourcing factories may lack the necessary understanding of design principles, leading to undetected defects [11]. - Quality Assurance Gaps: Brands often rely on post-production inspections, which can allow for undetected quality issues [12]. Group 5: Importance of Safety in Outsourcing - While outsourcing is a market efficiency choice, safety must remain a priority [13]. - The energy storage industry operates under more stringent conditions than consumer electronics, where failures can have broader implications [14]. - The recent recall incidents serve as a warning for the energy storage sector to strengthen supply chain oversight and ensure quality control throughout the production process [15].