An unusual and heartbreaking fire has claimed a classic Mazda RX-7, but unlike the EV battery fire stories that have become increasingly common, this one involved a lithium battery fire that originated in aftermarket performance electronics rather than in an electric vehicle’s traction battery. The RX-7’s owner had installed a modern lithium battery as part of a performance upgrade package, a common modification in the sports car tuning community that offers weight savings and better cold-weather cranking performance compared to traditional lead-acid alternatives. When the lithium battery failed, it did so with the intensity characteristic of this chemistry, and the fire spread quickly through the engine compartment before it could be controlled.
The incident is a reminder that lithium battery fire risks are not exclusive to electric vehicles — any vehicle using lithium battery chemistry carries some level of risk, and the importance of using properly rated components from reputable manufacturers cannot be overstated. RX-7 owners and classic car enthusiasts in general who have made or are considering lithium battery upgrades should research the specific products they are using carefully and ensure they are installed with appropriate protection from heat sources and physical damage that could contribute to a thermal event.
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