Electric vehicles are increasingly common on Australian roads. Their large lithium-ion battery packs deliver hundreds of kilometres of range and carry a fire risk that is different in scale and complexity from other lithium battery applications.
This page covers what makes EV battery fires distinct, how to charge safely at home, and what to do if something goes wrong.
For a broader overview of lithium battery fire safety, see our Lithium Battery Fire Safety Guide.
How EV Battery Fires Start
EV battery fires are triggered by thermal runaway — the same internal chain reaction that affects all lithium-ion batteries. Common causes include:
- Collision or crash damage — impact can cause internal cell damage that is not immediately visible externally. Thermal runaway may begin hours or days after the incident
- Charger faults — a faulty home charging unit or incompatible equipment can deliver incorrect current to the battery
- Overcharging — charging beyond the battery's rated capacity, particularly with uncertified third-party equipment
- Flood or water ingress — EVs exposed to flooding are at elevated risk of thermal runaway. Salt water is particularly dangerous due to its electrical conductivity
- Cell degradation — older, heavily cycled packs have reduced thermal tolerance and are more vulnerable to fault conditions
- Manufacturing defects — rare, but some EV models have been subject to manufacturer recalls due to cell defect risks
Safe Home Charging for Electric Vehicles
Most EV incidents in residential settings occur during or after charging. A few habits reduce the risk:
- Use manufacturer-approved charging equipment — always use the charger supplied with the vehicle or a certified EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) from a reputable supplier
- Have your home charge point professionally installed — use a licensed electrician familiar with EV charging requirements
- Charge during waking hours where possible — charging during the day allows you to respond early if a fault develops
- Do not charge after a collision — even if the vehicle appears undamaged externally, do not charge after a significant impact until the battery has been inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified EV technician
- Charge in a well-ventilated area — avoid enclosed spaces where gases from a developing battery fault could accumulate
- Disconnect when fully charged — avoid leaving the vehicle on charge indefinitely beyond full charge
Safe Parking After Incidents or Flooding
Where you park an EV after an incident or unusual event matters:
- After any collision, even a minor one, park the vehicle in the open air rather than in an enclosed garage until the battery has been inspected
- After flooding or significant water exposure — do not park in an enclosed or attached garage. Park in the open air and contact the manufacturer or a qualified EV technician before charging or driving
- If you notice unusual heat, smell, sound or warning lights from the vehicle — do not park it in an enclosed space. Park outdoors, disconnect from any charger and contact the manufacturer
- When charging in a home garage, keep the garage door open or ajar where practical to allow ventilation
- If parking in a multi-storey or underground car park after an incident — consider parking in an open-air area instead until the vehicle has been cleared
What to Do If Your EV Battery Catches Fire
Always call 000 immediately. An EV battery fire is a serious emergency requiring specialist fire service response.
- Evacuate the vehicle and move well away, maintaining a distance of at least 15 metres
- Do not attempt to open the bonnet or access the battery
- Do not attempt to disconnect the high-voltage system — this requires specialist equipment and training
- If the vehicle is charging when the incident starts, disconnect the charger at the wall only if it is safe to do so without approaching the vehicle
- If the vehicle is in an attached garage, close the door between the garage and the home if it is safe to do so, then evacuate the home immediately
- Advise emergency services that the vehicle is an EV and the approximate make and model when they arrive
- Do not approach the vehicle after the fire — EV batteries can reignite many hours after the initial incident and should be considered dangerous until cleared by emergency services
Fire Extinguishers and EV Charging Areas
A portable fire extinguisher cannot suppress a developed EV battery fire. This requires specialist equipment and significant water volume that only emergency services can provide.
However, a BSA extinguisher near your home EV charging area can be useful for very early-stage intervention — such as a smouldering charging connector, minor electrical fault at the charge point, or the earliest signs of heat in the charging area before open flame has developed. In these situations, a BSA extinguisher may support early-stage response around the charging area while you call 000 and evacuate immediately.
BSA extinguishers use BSA900™, a water-based suppression agent designed to cool surfaces and cling for extended contact.
A portable extinguisher is not suitable for a developed EV battery pack fire. Call 000 immediately and follow emergency services guidance.
Recommended for EV charging areas:
9L
Suited to home garage EV charging areas as a garage preparedness option, positioned near the exit of the charging space
Position your extinguisher near the exit of your charging area — accessible without needing to approach the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to charge my EV overnight?
Many EV owners charge overnight without incident. The risk is that overnight charging removes your ability to detect and respond to an early fault. Where practical, charging during waking hours allows you to notice warning signs such as unusual smells, heat or dashboard alerts before a situation escalates. If you do charge overnight, use only the manufacturer-approved charger and ensure the charging area is ventilated.
What should I do after my EV has been in a flood?
Do not charge or drive a flood-affected EV until it has been inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified EV technician. Salt water is particularly hazardous as its conductivity can cause internal short circuits. Park the vehicle outdoors, not in an enclosed garage, while awaiting inspection.
Is it safe to park an EV in an underground car park?
Under normal operating conditions, a healthy EV can be parked in an underground car park. The elevated risk applies after a collision, flooding or other unusual event — in these cases, park in the open air until the vehicle has been inspected. Some building managers and insurers have specific policies around EVs in enclosed parking structures.
Can a fire extinguisher put out an EV battery fire?
No portable extinguisher can suppress a developed EV battery fire. Emergency services typically use thousands of litres of water over an extended period. A portable extinguisher is not suitable for a developed EV battery pack fire. A BSA extinguisher in the charging area may support early-stage response around the charging area — such as a smouldering connector or nearby surface fire — while you call 000 and evacuate immediately.
Battery Safe Australia was founded to bring purpose-built lithium fire protection into everyday Australian homes and workplaces.
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