More Australians are making the switch to electric vehicles, with both industry and government also moving to electric buses and trucks. Electrified transport is becoming more affordable and easier to operate, thanks to the growing variety and availability of public charging options. There are many benefits to going electric for both people and the environment.
Electric vehicles are safe to charge and park, however with all new technology comes new safety considerations. Vehicle manufacturers globally are constantly developing new ways to improve safety and reduce hazards, while emergency responders are developing new techniques to manage EV-related incidents.
One of the primary concerns people have is the potential risk of battery fires. While instances of EV battery fires are rare, it is important to know what to do in the event of an emergency incident.
The good news is that EV battery fires do not happen very often.
EV battery fires are rare. While it is difficult to make an exact comparison, data from the Norwegian Fire Service indicates in 2022 the fire rate was 0.005% for EVs compared to 0.03% for internal combustion engine vehicles. Likewise, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency reported that between 2018 to 2022, there were 81 EV fires compared to 656 petrol and diesel car fires.
As of January 2025, there have been 10 electric car battery fires in Australia while the EV was in normal use. Of these events:
- 4 occurred after major damage to the battery pack through collision or impact.
- 5 were exposed to another fire: 2 due to arson, and 3 in building fires.
- Only 1 was connected to charging at the time of the fire.
If EV battery fires are rare, why do they always come up in news headlines?
Sometimes it seems that EV battery fires happen far more often than you think. There are a few reasons for this:
- EVs are a new technology and EV fires attract more attention.
- Firefighters are still undergoing training to handle EV fires and need more information and experience.
- Some news outlets and influencers use EV fires as ‘clickbait’ to drive more traffic to their social media accounts or websites.
Additionally, many people often confuse road-registered EVs with other devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes and e-scooters, which are referred to as micromobility devices. Fires in these are far more common, often due to poor quality battery cells. In contrast, batteries in road registered EVs are designed to stricter safety regulations than those in micromobility devices.
What you need to know in the event of an emergency incident?
Collisions
EVs are safe, modern vehicles. Even after a collision, it is highly unlikely the battery will catch fire. However, as with any collision, you should be aware of the warning signs of emergency events such as thermal runaway.
Listen for loud popping, hissing or whistling noises. If you hear any of these indicators, move away from the vehicle, call 000 for emergency help and tell the operator that an EV is involved.
Flooding and fire
If an EV has been exposed to extreme weather or elements there is a slightly increased chance of battery fire. This can include being submerged in water due to flooding or extreme heat exposure due to a bush or building fire.
In the event of exposure, seek advice from the manufacturer and your insurance company.
Recalls
If your EV has been recalled by the manufacturer due to battery fire risk, be sure to return it as soon as possible.
What is thermal runaway?
In some cases, following a road traffic collision, submersion in water, or a fire, the emergency response procedures for EVs may differ from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This is primarily due to the battery pack. All EVs contain a pack containing lithium-ion batteries that provide the vehicle with power. It is not one solid battery, rather a pack containing hundreds or even thousands of individual battery cells. If one or more cells are damaged in a collision or other incident, they can catch fire. This is known as ‘thermal runaway’.
Thermal runaway is an overheating, chemical reaction that is difficult to extinguish and can take more time, water, and firefighters to bring under control than an internal combustion engine vehicle fire. This is a new challenge for first and secondary responders* including firefighters, tow-truck drivers, salvage, repair, and recycling workers, as we do not yet have all the research and testing needed to manage both the incident itself, and the vehicle along the chain of second response custody.
In Australia, emergency responders are training to deal with incidents involving thermal runaway in EVs, with processes and procedures to support the safety of both patients and responders. Additionally, companies like EV FireSafe, who are based here in Australia, are continuing to research, test and develop new techniques to support responders managing EV battery fires. More information on thermal runaway can be found at EV Fire Safe.
Be informed.
EVs are very safe but like any vehicle, you need to be aware of the risks and how to operate your EV in the safest way possible.
There are resources available to help you find out more about your EV’s fire safety including:
Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) Rescue
Whether you are driving an EV yourself or have an EV fleet, it is a great idea to find the emergency response guide (ERG) on the free to download ANCAP Rescue app or by searching online. The guide provides information to help you understand the safety features of your EV.
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) Tick for EV chargers
Only install electrically compliant home or workplace EV charging equipment that has the RCM tick. The RCM tick indicates that a product meets strict safety and compliance standards, ensuring it is safe for use in Australia and New Zealand.
Organise for a qualified and licensed electrician to install the equipment. This ensures compliance and safety in the event of any incident.
EV Fire Safe
EV Fire Safe is funded by the Australian Department of Defence to research EV battery fires and emergency response. Their team consists of firefighters and researchers, and their work is globally recognised.
*First responders secure the scene, provide emergency care, and gather initial evidence. Second responders take over after the immediate needs are addressed, focusing on further investigation, evidence collection, or handling of the incident.