What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to redefine lithium-ion batteries as confined energy systems to enhance safety discussions.

February 19, 2026Open Access

De-Dualization of LIBs: From Moral Conflict to Redemptive Engineering of Confined Energy Systems

Key Points

The aim is to redefine lithium-ion batteries as confined energy systems to enhance safety discussions.
Introduced a framework called ER³ focusing on Energy Regime, Confinement System, and Human Decision-Making Capacity.
Discussed the transition from moral dualism in battery safety to a more integrated approach.
Outlined the foundational concepts for future protocol development without detailing operational procedures.
Establishes a new perspective on lithium-ion batteries that integrates safety with socio-technical aspects.
Sets the groundwork for developing technical protocols related to battery safety engineering.

Abstract

Abstract Enabling progress in lithium-ion battery (LIB) safety requires moving beyond a persistent moral dualism that alternates between techno-optimism and techno-catastrophism. This technical note proposes a neutral ontology of LIBs as confined energy systems and introduces the ER³ framework — comprising Energy Regime, Confinement System, and Human Decision-Making Capacity — as a sociotechnical interaction model for mature, antidualistic risk engineering. The document is explicitly foundational: it establishes a shared conceptual basis for subsequent protocol-level work (e.g., an ER³ Technical Protocol) and does not prescribe operational procedures, certification criteria, or normative metrics. It complements prior work on fire safety codes for electric vehicles in buildings (Zenodo record 10.5281/zenodo.17926100) while focusing on de-dualizing the broader LIB safety debate.

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