Austroads has released a new report to help first responders working for road agencies and emergency services, plan for and manage the risks posed by electric vehicle (EV) battery fires.
Although EV-battery fire related incidents are quite rare in Australasia, EV numbers are growing across Australia and New Zealand, so it’s crucial that road managers proactively plan to modify existing incident response protocols to reflect the unique needs of electric vehicles – especially where there is any risk of a battery fire.
Agencies understand that typically, EV-battery fire related incidents will have longer incident durations compared to those involving internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).
“Road manager incident response teams are adapting their approach to recognise the needs of the EV fleet and evolving battery technologies” Austroads’ transport network operations program manager Amy Naulls says.
“This report represents a major contribution to research on EV fires, supporting road managers to be well-informed and prepared for emergencies.”
The report explains key differences in EV incidents, including the distinction between an EV on fire and a fire within the lithium-ion battery (LiB) – known as ‘thermal runaway’.
Although thermal runaway events are less common than ICEV fires, they introduce complex hazards such as off-gassing, jet-like flames, vapour cloud explosions, and delayed ignition, which require updated procedures and practices to ensure safety and minimise disruption.
The report draws on a literature review, case studies, and stakeholder engagement to develop the EV Incident Response Framework. It identifies knowledge gaps and recommends ongoing review and collaboration to ensure procedures remain current.
EV uptake will continue to increase as the transition away from ICEVs accelerates. The report outlines three phases of adoption and the corresponding priorities for road managers, from early planning and procedure development to embedding and scaling up EV incident response as EVs become the dominant vehicle type.
“With forward planning, road agencies and emergency services can reduce risk and improve safety and network resilience across our network,” Naulls says.
“This report provides practical, evidenced insights into the risks and operational impacts of a range of representative EV incidents, making it an invaluable resource for road managers across Australia and New Zealand.”