Portable Charger Overheats, Causes Car Fire in Matthews
A car fire occurred in Matthews, North Carolina, caused by a portable lithium-ion charger that overheated in the hot sun while left in the vehicle. The incident serves as a warning about leaving such devices in hot cars.
Charlotte, NC, August 12, 2026 —
A vehicle in Matthews, North Carolina, was damaged by fire on [Date – Not Provided] when a portable lithium-ion charger left inside the car overheated.
The incident, which occurred due to the device’s exposure to intense sunlight within the vehicle, highlights the potential dangers associated with leaving electronic devices, particularly those with lithium-ion batteries, in hot environments.
The exact make and model of the charger, as well as the owner of the vehicle, were not provided in the incident report. The specific make of the car was also not disclosed.
Fire officials have not released an official statement regarding the incident, but the event serves as a cautionary reminder to consumers about the risks of battery-powered devices in high temperatures. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in smartphones, laptops, and portable power banks, can become unstable when subjected to heat, potentially leading to thermal runaway, which can result in fires.
While the specific circumstances leading to the overheating were attributed to the device being left in the hot sun inside the car, the cause of the initial malfunction of the charger itself was not detailed.
No injuries were reported in connection with the car fire. The extent of the damage to the vehicle was not specified.
This incident underscores the importance of following manufacturer guidelines for charging and storing electronic devices, especially during warmer months. It is advisable to remove such devices from vehicles when temperatures are expected to rise significantly.
Story summarized from the original created by Connor Lomis on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
