Can Honeywell Outsmart Battery Fires?

Honeywell acquires Li-ion Tamer, pushing predictive tech to tackle battery fires before they ignite.

24 Jul 2025

Honeywell has taken a decisive leap into the future of battery safety with its acquisition of Li-ion Tamer from Nexceris, a move that could reshape how the world prevents fires linked to lithium-ion batteries. As energy storage systems expand rapidly across EVs, renewable grids, and critical infrastructure, this deal signals a shift toward smarter, faster, and more predictive safety technologies.

At the heart of the acquisition is a cutting-edge solution: Li-ion Tamer’s gas sensors detect early-stage overheating well before visible smoke or flames. This advanced warning system buys precious time for operators to intervene, dramatically reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. Honeywell plans to integrate these sensors into its building automation and safety platforms, creating a more connected and proactive defense against thermal runaway.

“This is a game-changer for energy resilience,” said Billal Hammoud, President and CEO of Honeywell Building Automation. “With Li-ion Tamer, we’re enabling intervention before incidents escalate, not after the damage is done.”

The backdrop for this move is a booming global battery market. With installations projected to surge through 2030, particularly in the US, the race is on to improve safety standards. Yet many current regulations lack mandates for early detection. Honeywell’s step could fill that void, offering both a competitive edge and a roadmap for industry-wide change.

Recent high-profile battery incidents at data centers, utility sites, and transit systems have intensified scrutiny. Insurers, regulators, and investors are pressing for technologies that prevent disasters, not just contain them. Honeywell’s acquisition positions it ahead of rivals like Siemens and Johnson Controls, who may soon follow suit.

Challenges remain, especially in retrofitting legacy infrastructure and ensuring seamless digital integration. But Honeywell’s move underscores a larger trend: the shift from reactive to predictive safety is no longer optional. It is essential.

As batteries power more of our daily lives, from transportation to healthcare, early detection will be the linchpin of safety. Honeywell’s investment in Li-ion Tamer is not just a strategic acquisition. It is a wake-up call for the entire industry.