Energy safety regulator launches safety campaign as research shows young people taking risks with lithium-ion batteries

New research shows that a large proportion of young people underestimate the risks that can lead to lithium-ion battery fires.

A study commissioned by Energy Safe Victoria found 41% of 18-29 year old e-ride owners were unaware of the safety risk caused by incompatible chargers and batteries. And 64% would purchase generic replacement batteries and chargers online.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said the research was concerning.

“Using incompatible batteries and chargers on your lithium-ion devices is one of the main causes of thermal runaway, which essentially means your battery overheats and explodes,” Ms Hughson said.

“Numerous house fires have been caused by the misuse of lithium-ion batteries. There have been fatalities and serious injuries in other states and overseas.”

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery used to power e-rides, including e-scooters and e-bikes.

To encourage owners to charge their e-rides safely, Energy Safe Victoria has launched a new campaign showing how quickly a fire can start if an incompatible battery and charger are being used. The campaign has been developed with the support of Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria.

“Generic aftermarket chargers are not always compatible with the e-ride battery. Just because the plug fits it doesn’t mean the charger is compatible,” Ms Hughson said.

“Buying them online from overseas suppliers often means the batteries and chargers do not meet Australian standards for safety.”

Lithium-ion batteries contain technology that communicates with the battery charger to monitor how the charge is progressing. Once the battery is fully charged the battery tells the charger to stop charging. By using a charger that isn’t compatible with the battery it can’t tell the charger to stop charging.

“Purchasing generic battery chargers may save money in the short term, but it could have very dangerous consequences with the battery overheating and causing a violent and devastating fire,” Ms Hughson said.

“Our Before You Know It campaign aims to bring awareness of the importance of using compatible batteries and chargers recommended or provided by the manufacturer. This is the key to safe charging.”

Fire Rescue Victoria’s Deputy Commissioner Community Safety, Josh Fischer, said, "Victorian firefighters are responding to almost one fire each day caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

"Stop using the battery if you notice strong odours, colour change, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or unusual sounds such as popping or hissing.

"If your battery catches fire call Triple Zero (000) immediately and wait in a safe location for firefighters to arrive."

Ms Hughson said DIY building or modifying batteries, or attempting to charge damaged batteries, could also result in safety risks.

“Lithium-ion batteries should never be modified. People who modify lithium-ion battery systems to get more power or attempt to build their own batteries are risking lives and property.”

Further information about how to charge lithium-ion batteries safely is on the Energy Safe Victoria website: www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/battery-safety.

Energy Safe. Always.

Further information
www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/battery-safety

Interview requests
Energy Safe Victoria's CEO, Leanne Hughson, is available for interviews.

Media enquiries
Jonathan Granger: 0400 948 934 or media@energysafe.vic.gov.au