Review of the Safe Operating Area (SOA) for Batteries: Evolving concepts and structured frameworks

The Safe Operating Area (SOA) of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries defines the permissible range of operational conditions (e.g. temperature, voltage) within which the battery operates safely and reliably, avoiding damage, performance degradation, or critical hazards such as thermal runaway. While the SOA concept is critical for battery performance optimization and safety assurance, its evolving nature has led to inconsistent definitions and methodologies across the literature. These fragmented perspectives hinder the development of a solid understanding and practical application of SOA. This review addresses these gaps by systematically examining the diverse perspectives and methodologies surrounding SOA. It categorizes and structures related topics directly and indirectly linked to SOA while integrating insights from adjacent fields to construct a cohesive framework. By treating SOA as an evolving concept, this work assembles its “building blocks” from various disciplines, creating a comprehensive roadmap for defining and refining SOA boundaries. The proposed approach aims to guide researchers and practitioners in advancing safer, more efficient battery systems. • Comprehensive Review of SOA & Critical Analysis. • Bridging SOA with Related Fields. • Unified and Structured Framework for SOA. • Systematic Categorization of existing SOA concepts. • Practical Guide for Modular SOA Design.