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X-ray study shows cheap batteries are hot mess
Of the all batteries scanned, 33 had a dangerous defect called negative anode overhang, which can lead to internal short circuits, fires, or even explosions.
If you’ve ever been tempted by those too-good-to-be-true battery deals on Amazon or Temu, Lumafield has a very X-ray–powered reality check for you.
The industrial CT scanning company just released a study of over 1,000 lithium-ion batteries, and the results read like a cautionary tale for bargain hunters.
Using 3D X-ray imaging, Lumafield peered inside the popular 18650 cells, the kind found in everything from e-bikes and power tools to electric toothbrushes, and discovered a troubling pattern: cheap and counterfeit batteries are hiding some seriously risky flaws.
Lumafield sourced batteries from ten different brands, splitting them into three groups: reputable OEMs like Samsung and Panasonic, “rewraps” (legit OEM cells with fresh packaging), and low-cost/counterfeit options from big online marketplaces.
Of the 1,054 batteries scanned, 33 had a dangerous defect called negative anode overhang, which can lead to internal short circuits, fires, or even explosions.
Every single defective cell came from the low-cost/counterfeit pile. For those knockoff brands, the risk was nearly 8 percent, with some shady players topping 12% to 15%.
The red flags didn’t stop there. Some counterfeits wore pink wrappers mimicking Samsung’s well-known 30Q cells, while others boasted laughably fake specs, claiming capacities of 9,900mAh despite name-brand cells maxing out around 3,400mAh.
In real-world tests, these impostors barely hit 1,300mAh, proving that not only are they dangerous, they’re also dramatically weaker than advertised.
Even their internal construction was sloppy, with poor edge alignment that further increases the risk of shorts and early failure.
By contrast, brand-name batteries emerged spotless, and while rewraps generally performed well, their murky supply chains make quality harder to guarantee.
Lumafield’s takeaway is clear: if you value your gadgets (and your home), stick to reputable brands. (Via: The Verge)
Sure, you can’t X-ray every battery you buy, but this study is a reminder that the cheapest option might come with a hidden surcharge, measured in smoke, sparks, and regret.
Does this X-ray study prove that consumers should avoid cheap batteries entirely, or are the safety risks worth the significant cost savings for non-critical applications? Should online marketplaces like Amazon and Temu be held more accountable for selling potentially dangerous counterfeit batteries, or is it ultimately the buyer’s responsibility to research and verify product authenticity? Tell us below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.
