Lithium-ion batteries are associated with risks such as the phenomenon of thermal runaway. However, lithium-ion batteries also have many benefits. This means that using lithium-ion batteries comes with trade-offs. A trade-off is a relationship between the benefits to society that are at odds with safety or sustainability costs or risks. This relationship is resolved through compromise. Some benefits of lithium-ion power include cost, convenience, safety, reliability, and aesthetics. But there are also potential safety and environmental impacts to consider like thermal runaway and e-waste. Learn more about how these batteries are used and some of the benefits of lithium-ion batteries. Consider: what is a reasonable risk or impact in exchange for these benefits?