【モバ充】買い替え目安は2年、航空機内のルールが厳格化、発火リスクを抑える新素材「半固体」とは【Nスタ解説】｜TBS NEWS DIG

Regarding the recent series of mobile battery fires: New rules will be implemented from the day after tomorrow (the 24th) to ensure air safety. We also covered a "fire-resistant mobile battery" using a new "semi-solid" material. ■Several Mobile Battery Fires: New Rules to be Introduced on Aircraft from the 24th Teenager: "I use a mobile battery." 20s: "I carry it with me every day, and I feel uneasy without it." The term "mobile battery," which is becoming increasingly common, is a popular item for outings, especially during the upcoming Golden Week holidays. However, fires are rapidly increasing. On the 19th, a mobile battery was found inside a bag that caught fire on an Osaka Metro train. The person was stomping on the bag to try and extinguish the flames. Firefighters found a black, ruptured mass and something resembling cords inside the bag. Mobile batteries contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire due to impact or deterioration. The number of mobile battery fires is increasing year by year, and is projected to surge again in 2025, reaching 482 cases, an increase of approximately 70% compared to 2024. Mai Izumi, newscaster: Following the series of mobile battery fires, measures on board aircraft will change from the 24th. Previously, major airlines prohibited mobile batteries from being placed in checked baggage. From 2025, even when carrying them on board, passengers were required to keep them at hand and manage them in a visible location, rather than placing them in overhead compartments. In March, new international standards were decided, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism followed suit, adding new rules for flights departing from and arriving in Japan from the 24th. The use of mobile batteries, which was previously permitted on board aircraft, will now be prohibited. Please use the onboard power outlets to charge your smartphones. Furthermore, the rules regarding the number of mobile batteries will change. Previously, there was no limit on the number of general mobile batteries that could be brought on board, but the new rules will limit it to two. Putting them in checked baggage is still prohibited, so please don't bring more than three. And here's the third rule: Charging the mobile battery itself using the aircraft's power outlets is also prohibited. Izumi (caster): Yamagata-san, you use a charger, how did you use it on the plane? Yamagata Junna (caster): On the return flight, my battery was low, and I wanted to charge it so I could look up train information, so I ended up doing it. ■What are people's opinions on the new rules? People on the street seem to have various opinions on the new rules. 20s: "If it reduces the number of fire accidents, then it should be strengthened even more." 10s: "It's a little inconvenient, but I guess it's okay if it's only on the plane." 20s: "I think it can't be helped." "(Q. Rather than having an accident) Yes, it's scary." And please keep in mind that there is a possibility of penalties if you violate the rules. It's scary when they explode, isn't it? To prevent such incidents and ensure safe use, knowing when to replace your mobile battery is extremely important. Takahiro Inoue (Anchor): I'm still not used to the term "mobile charger," but I was curious why two are allowed on airplanes. Izumi (Anchor): They're essential, aren't they? They're necessary for travel, for example. How long have you all been using your mobile chargers? Manufacturers that develop and produce mobile batteries say that the general guideline for replacement is "two years." Even if you don't use them often, deterioration is still progressing, so please be careful. ■What are "semi-solid" mobile batteries that prevent fire accidents? Product development is progressing to prevent the series of fire accidents, and some surprising products have appeared. Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store, an electronics retailer in Tokyo. Among the many products available, including high-capacity and cable-free mobile batteries, a special corner has just been set up for... Yasuyuki Shimizu, Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store "It's what's called a 'semi-solid' battery." --What are its features? Yasuyuki Shimizu, Bic Camera Shinjuku East Exit Store "The most important thing is safety. It's less likely to ignite." What is a semi-solid mobile battery that's less likely to ignite? For example, the "ELECOM Semi-Solid Battery Mobile Battery 10000mAh" (8480 yen), released in March. The price is about twice that of a regular one, and it looks no different from a conventional mobile battery... We asked the development team about the secret. --What are the features of a semi-solid battery? Akihiko Tanabe, Product Development Department, ELECOM "Batteries contain a liquid-like substance called an electrolyte, but we've made it into a gel-like, semi-solid substance." Even if gaps form inside the battery due to drops or impacts, m...