Core Viewpoint - The incident involving the Ideal MEGA electric vehicle, which caught fire within 10 seconds, has sparked significant discussions about battery safety in the electric vehicle industry, particularly regarding the risks associated with high-performance lithium-ion batteries [1][2]. Group 1: Incident and Immediate Reactions - The Ideal MEGA fire incident has led to widespread concern among middle-class parents who purchased the vehicle, prompting discussions on "electric vehicle escape" for children [1]. - Following the incident, Ideal officially apologized and acknowledged a defect in the coolant of the MEGA 2024 model, which could lead to thermal runaway of the battery under extreme conditions [2]. Group 2: Battery Technology Debate - The incident has reignited the long-standing debate between the safety of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and the performance of ternary lithium batteries, with the former being seen as safer but less powerful [2][5]. - Ideal's MEGA uses the Kirin ternary lithium battery, which was previously marketed as having superior safety features, including a low failure rate and advanced battery management systems [3][5]. Group 3: Battery Characteristics and Safety - Ternary lithium batteries have lower thermal stability, with decomposition reactions potentially starting at around 200°C, while LFP batteries require much higher temperatures (500-800°C) to decompose, making LFP inherently safer [5]. - Experimental data shows that ternary lithium cells can reach peak temperatures of 400-600°C within 10 seconds during short-circuit tests, whereas LFP cells take about 2 minutes to reach 300°C, highlighting a critical safety difference [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Battery Choices - The shift in the market dynamics began in 2016 when subsidies for electric vehicles were linked to battery energy density, favoring ternary lithium batteries, which led to a significant market share increase for them [8][10]. - However, by 2021, LFP batteries began to regain market share, surpassing 70% in 2023, driven by cost-effectiveness and the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles [10][11]. Group 5: Future of Battery Technologies - The future of battery technology may not be a straightforward choice between LFP and ternary lithium, as both have distinct advantages and are likely to coexist based on market demands [24]. - Ternary lithium batteries are seen as a key pathway to next-generation solid-state batteries, which promise improved safety and energy density, while also being suitable for high-performance applications like flying cars and robotics [22][24].