The Coroners Court of NSW recently announced it will hold an inquest to examine deaths and serious fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, amid concerns that the batteries are causing approximately five fires in NSW per week.
This inquest into lithium battery fires will examine if any changes can be made to stop similar deaths, fires or explosions in the future.
NSW Inquest - Lithium-ion battery fires
New South Wales is also cracking down on the sale of certain ebikes and e-scooters in a nationwide first aimed at reducing battery-related fires, while pushing for a nationally coordinated approach to the issue.
Under the rules announced in August 2024, ebikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards will become “declared electric devices”. The battery-powered devices will need to meet a set of internationally accepted product standards, including appropriate tests and certification. Vendors of non-compliant devices will face heavy fines commencing February 2025.
NSW closes loophole to stamp out fires
Many lithium-ion battery fires seem to be the result of the use of incorrect or poor quality chargers or other incorrect charging practices.
This issue is of particular concern to landlords who may not be aware that tenants are charging ebikes and e-scooters in their rental properties. Recommendations from some experts that charging only be done outside is not practical in many circumstances. In addition, fire blankets suitable for lithium-ion battery fires do not seem available so far at an economical price. Some strata buildings have taken the extreme step of banning ebikes and e-scooters altogether.
A nationwide approach to product safety standards may assist in dealing with this issue.
January 2025
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