EV Fire Safety in Australia: What Every Electric Vehicle Owner Needs to Know

EV Fire Safety in Australia: What Every Electric Vehicle Owner Needs to Know

As Australia's electric vehicle market accelerates into 2025, with over 410,000 EVs now on Australian roads and sales reaching record highs, understanding fire safety has become increasingly important for EV owners. While the data shows electric vehicles are statistically safer than traditional cars when it comes to fire risk, the unique nature of lithium-ion battery fires requires specialized safety equipment and knowledge.

The Real Data on EV Fires

Contrary to popular misconceptions, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch fire than their petrol-powered counterparts. According to recent data:

  • EVs experience only 25 fires per 100,000 vehicles sold, compared to 1,530 fires per 100,000 for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
  • A Swedish report found fires in petrol cars occurred 20 times more often than in electric vehicles in 2022
  • In Poland's 2025 data, EVs accounted for just 0.17% of all vehicle fires, while ICE vehicles represented 99.39%
  • Globally, with approximately 40 million EVs operating as of early 2024, there have been slightly more than 500 battery-related fires – a rate of about 1 in 100,000

These statistics clearly demonstrate that EV fires are rare events. However, when they do occur, they present unique challenges that require specialized response.

Australia's Growing EV Fleet

The Australian market has witnessed remarkable growth:

  • 72,758 EVs were sold in the first half of 2025 alone – up 24.4% from 2024
  • EVs now account for 12.1% of all new car sales, with June 2025 hitting nearly 16%
  • The number of available models has grown to 153 options (94 BEVs, 59 PHEVs)
  • Public charging infrastructure expanded to 1,272 fast-charging locations across the country

As adoption increases, so does the importance of proper fire safety preparedness.

Understanding Thermal Runaway

The key difference between EV and traditional vehicle fires is thermal runaway – a chemical process where one malfunctioning battery cell can cause adjacent cells to fail in a chain reaction. This process:

  • Creates intense heat that can exceed temperatures in traditional fires
  • Releases oxygen that fuels the fire from within
  • Can reignite hours or even days after the initial fire appears extinguished
  • Cannot be extinguished with traditional fire extinguishers

According to EV FireSafe research, the leading causes of EV battery fires globally are:

  1. Road traffic collisions
  2. Submersion in salt water
  3. Battery faults during manufacture
  4. Exposure to another fire source

Interestingly, in Australia specifically, exposure to other fires is a leading cause, accounting for five of ten verified incidents – including three home garage fires and two arson attacks.

The Challenge for Emergency Services

Traditional firefighting methods struggle with EV battery fires. Research from the National Fire Protection Association indicates that:

  • Standard fire extinguishers are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires
  • Cooling the battery pack with large volumes of water is currently the recommended approach
  • Some incidents have required over 30,000 litres of water
  • Battery packs can retain voltage and reignite even when appearing completely destroyed

Protecting Your Home and Garage

For EV owners, the home charging environment presents the greatest exposure to risk. While fires during charging are statistically rare, having proper safety equipment is essential. This is where specialized fire blankets designed for EVs become crucial.

Fire blankets for electric vehicles serve multiple critical functions:

  1. Contain thermal runaway by limiting oxygen supply to the fire
  2. Suppress toxic smoke and chemical vapours released during battery fires
  3. Prevent fire spread to nearby structures, particularly important when charging in home garages
  4. Provide protection during emergency response until professional help arrives
  5. Aid in vehicle transport after an incident, as compromised batteries can reignite

Unlike traditional fire blankets, EV-specific fire blankets are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures generated by lithium-ion battery fires and are sized appropriately to cover modern electric vehicles.

Best Practices for EV Fire Safety

As an EV owner, consider these safety measures:

At Home

  • Keep an EV fire blanket readily accessible near your charging area
  • Ensure your charging equipment is professionally installed
  • Never use damaged charging cables
  • Park and charge in well-ventilated areas when possible
  • Consider installing a smoke detector in your garage

On the Road

  • Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules
  • Inspect your vehicle after any collision, no matter how minor
  • Be aware of battery health warnings on your dashboard
  • Understand your vehicle's emergency response procedures

After an Incident

  • Even if a fire appears extinguished, the battery may reignite hours or days later
  • Damaged EVs should be stored at least 15 meters from structures
  • Notify your insurance company immediately
  • Professional assessment of battery integrity is essential

The Insurance Perspective

As the EV market matures, insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of proper fire safety equipment. Some insurers are beginning to recommend or require fire safety measures for EVs charged at residential properties. Having appropriate safety equipment like specialized fire blankets demonstrates responsible ownership and may influence insurance assessments.

Looking Ahead: Safer Battery Technology

The battery industry is evolving toward safer chemistries. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, which have higher thermal stability and are less prone to thermal runaway, are becoming more common. Next-generation solid-state batteries currently in development promise even greater fire safety by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with non-flammable solid alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Electric vehicles represent a significant step forward in automotive safety and sustainability. The data conclusively shows that EVs are not more prone to fires than traditional vehicles – they're actually significantly safer. However, the unique characteristics of EV battery fires mean that specialized safety equipment and knowledge are essential.

For Australian EV owners, investing in proper fire safety equipment designed specifically for electric vehicles is a sensible precaution. With over 410,000 EVs already on Australian roads and projections suggesting we'll reach one million by 2028, proactive fire safety preparation isn't just prudent – it's essential for protecting your investment, your home, and your family.

As the old saying goes, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. With EV fire blankets specifically engineered for lithium-ion battery fires now readily available in Australia, there's no reason for EV owners to be unprepared.

Stay Safe, Drive Electric

The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating across Australia, bringing with it cleaner air, lower operating costs, and a more sustainable future. By understanding the real risks, following best practices, and equipping yourself with appropriate safety equipment, you can enjoy all the benefits of EV ownership with complete peace of mind.

For more information about EV fire safety solutions designed for Australian conditions, visit EV Fire Solutions.

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