Protecting What Matters: The Critical Importance of EV Fire Safety in Australia's Growing Electric Future

Australia stands at the forefront of an electric vehicle revolution. With EV sales reaching 85,319 units by September 2024 and now accounting for 9.5% of all new car sales—a significant increase from 8.4% in 2023—our roads are transforming rapidly (Fire Extinguisher Online Australia, 2024). Yet as we embrace this cleaner, more sustainable future, a critical question emerges: Are we prepared for the unique fire safety challenges that come with lithium-ion battery technology?

Understanding the Real Risk: Facts Over Fear

Let's address the elephant in the room. Despite sensational headlines, research demonstrates that electric vehicles are actually significantly safer than their petrol-powered counterparts when it comes to fire risk. Data from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency indicates EVs are approximately 20 times less likely to catch fire compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (Electric Vehicle Council, 2024).

In Australia, the statistics are even more reassuring. According to research funded by the Australian Department of Defence, there have been only six verified EV battery fires in Australia since 2010 out of more than 180,000 EVs on the road (MYNRMA, 2024). None of these incidents were spontaneous, related to charging, or caused explosions. Instead, they resulted from external factors such as arson, external structure fires, collisions, and road debris.

To put this in perspective, Fire and Rescue NSW responds to approximately seven petrol or diesel vehicle fires every single day in New South Wales alone (Owen Consulting Network, 2024).

The Broader Lithium-Ion Challenge

While EVs themselves present minimal fire risk, the broader landscape of lithium-ion battery devices tells a different story—and this is where Australian families and businesses must pay attention.

Fire and Rescue NSW reported attending 456 lithium-ion battery fires during 2022-2023 (MYNRMA, 2024). However, only three of these incidents involved electric vehicles. The real culprits were e-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters (90 incidents), battery chargers (46 incidents), and energy storage batteries (37 incidents).

More recent data paints an even more concerning picture. In 2024, Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 63 lithium-ion battery fires at a rate of 5.7 blazes per week, injuring seven people—an increase from 272 fires in 2023 (EV Fire Solutions, 2025b). Western Australia experienced a lithium-ion battery fire almost every second day in 2024, making it the worst year on record (EV Fire Solutions, 2025b).

What Makes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Different?

Understanding the unique characteristics of lithium-ion battery fires is essential for proper preparation. These fires behave fundamentally differently from traditional fires, presenting challenges that standard fire safety equipment cannot adequately address.

Thermal Runaway: The Chain Reaction

The primary danger with lithium-ion batteries is a phenomenon called thermal runaway. Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) explains that batteries can enter thermal runaway under various abuse conditions including thermal abuse, mechanical abuse, and electrical abuse (Yuan et al., 2024). During this process, the battery generates heat faster than it can dissipate, triggering a self-sustaining chain reaction that rapidly increases temperature and can ignite adjacent battery cells.

Once thermal runaway begins, temperatures can exceed 1,000°C, and the fire produces highly toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (EV Fire Solutions, 2025a). These emissions pose serious respiratory hazards and can cause chemical burns.

Why Traditional Fire Suppression Falls Short

NIOSH research comparing different suppression methods found critical limitations with conventional approaches (Yuan et al., 2024). Dry chemical and Class D powder extinguishers, commonly used in Australian workplaces, failed to prevent battery reignition because their release time was too brief—only 35-50 seconds. Without continuous cooling, the chemical reactions inside the battery continued despite external suppression, leading to reignition shortly after initial suppression.

The research demonstrated that water-based suppression systems with extended release times (5 minutes or more) proved most effective because they provided continuous cooling to prevent reignition (Yuan et al., 2024). However, even water requires specialized application techniques and substantial quantities—often thousands of liters for a single EV fire.

Australia's Regulatory Response

Recognizing these unique challenges, Australian authorities have implemented groundbreaking safety measures. From February 1, 2025, all lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in New South Wales must comply with prescribed safety standards, classified as "declared electrical articles" under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (EV Fire Solutions, 2025a).

The penalties for non-compliance reflect the seriousness of the issue: corporations face fines up to $825,000, while individuals face penalties up to $82,500. Additionally, from February 19, 2025, suppliers must provide comprehensive safety information at point of sale, including guidance on safe use, charging, storage, fire prevention, and disposal.

Protecting Your Home, Business, and Community

As Australia's electric future unfolds, preparation is paramount. Here's what every Australian family and business needs to know:

For Households

  • Never charge batteries unattended: The majority of lithium-ion battery incidents occur during or immediately after charging. Always monitor charging devices and never charge overnight while sleeping.
  • Invest in specialized fire safety equipment: Standard ABC fire extinguishers are insufficient for lithium-ion battery fires. Specialized lithium-ion battery fire blankets and extinguishing agents designed for battery fires are essential.
  • Recognize warning signs: Battery swelling, unusual heat, strange noises, or unusual odors indicate impending failure. Immediately stop using the device and store it outdoors in a safe location away from structures.
  • Purchase certified products: Only buy e-bikes, e-scooters, and battery-powered devices from reputable manufacturers with Australian safety certifications.

For Businesses

  • Conduct risk assessments: Identify all lithium-ion battery devices and storage areas in your facility. Develop specific protocols for safe storage, charging, and emergency response.
  • Install appropriate suppression systems: Modern facilities housing EVs or significant lithium-ion battery inventories require specialized fire suppression systems designed specifically for battery fires.
  • Train staff comprehensively: Ensure all employees understand lithium-ion battery fire risks, recognize warning signs, and know proper emergency response procedures.
  • Implement charging protocols: Establish designated charging areas with appropriate ventilation, fire detection, and suppression equipment. Never allow charging in high-occupancy areas or near critical infrastructure.

For Property Managers

Fire and Rescue NSW has released comprehensive position statements regarding EVs and EV charging equipment in built environments (Fire and Rescue NSW, 2024). Property managers and building owners must consider these guidelines when designing parking facilities and implementing charging infrastructure.

The Path Forward: Innovation and Preparedness

Research continues to advance our understanding of lithium-ion battery fire safety. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals highlight promising developments including non-flammable battery electrolytes and improved fire suppression technologies (Full Circle Lithium Corp., 2024). Next-generation battery chemistries such as sodium-ion batteries and solid-state batteries promise enhanced safety characteristics with reduced thermal runaway susceptibility.

However, until these technologies achieve widespread adoption, current lithium-ion systems will remain predominant. This reality makes proper fire safety preparation not optional, but essential.

Hassan et al. (2023) projected that if EV uptake in Australia follows predicted trends to reach 1.7 million by 2030, Australia will likely experience 9 to 10 EV fire incidents annually in that year. While these numbers remain low compared to petrol vehicle fires, they underscore the importance of preparedness as EV adoption accelerates.

Take Action Today

The statistics are clear: lithium-ion battery fires represent a current and growing reality in Australia, not merely a future concern. However, with proper preparation, specialized equipment, and ongoing awareness, Australians can safely enjoy the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicle technology while minimizing associated risks.

Ready to Protect Your Property?

Don't wait until it's too late. At EV Fire Solutions, we specialize in comprehensive fire safety solutions specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires. Our products include:

  • Specialized EV fire blankets designed to contain and suppress battery fires
  • Advanced fire suppression systems engineered specifically for lithium-ion battery characteristics
  • Professional risk assessment services to identify vulnerabilities in your facility
  • Comprehensive training programs for staff and first responders

Visit EV Fire Solutions today to explore our full range of products and services. Our team of experts is ready to help you develop a customized fire safety strategy that protects what matters most.

Contact us now for a free consultation and discover how we can help you stay ahead of Australia's fastest-growing fire safety challenge.

References

Electric Vehicle Council. (2024, October 18). Are electric vehicle fires common? https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/docs/are-electric-vehicle-fires-common/

EV Fire Solutions. (2025a). E-bike fire safety: Why every Australian e-bike owner needs a fire blanket. https://evfiresolutions.com.au/blogs/news/e-bike-fire-safety-why-every-australian-e-bike-owner-needs-a-fire-blanket

EV Fire Solutions. (2025b). Lithium battery fires in Australia: A growing safety challenge. https://evfiresolutions.com.au/blogs/news/lithium-battery-fires-in-australia-a-growing-safety-challenge

Fire and Rescue NSW. (2024). Electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment in the built environment [Position statement]. https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/

Fire Extinguisher Online Australia. (2024, March 27). Electric vehicle fire safety: Australian guide. https://www.fireextinguisheronline.com.au/blog/post/electric-vehicle-fire-extinguisher-australia

Full Circle Lithium Corp. (2024, March 25). Full Circle Lithium's proprietary lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing agent proven highly effective in third-party laboratory testing [Press release]. https://fullcirclelithium.com/2024/03/25/full-circle-lithiums-proprietary-lithium-ion-battery-fire-extinguishing-agent-proven-highly-effective-in-third-party-laboratory-testing/

Hassan, M. K., Saleh, A. A., & Brown, J. R. (2023). Fire incidents, trends, and risk mitigation framework of electrical vehicle cars in Australia. Fire, 6(8), Article 325. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire6080325

MYNRMA. (2024, May 23). Understanding electric vehicle fires: A comprehensive guide. https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/advice-and-how-to/understanding-electric-vehicle-fires

Owen Consulting Network. (2024, February). Fact sheet – Electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery fire safety [PDF]. https://ocn.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/OCN-Fact-Sheet-lIB-Fire-Risk.pdf

Yuan, L., Tang, W., Thomas, R. A., & Soles, J. (2024). Experimental study on suppression of lithium iron phosphate battery fires. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 41(2), 637–645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-00938-y

This article is for informational purposes only. For specific fire safety requirements in your area, consult with local fire authorities and qualified fire safety professionals.

Back to blog