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 per cent of 18-29 year old e-ride owners were unaware of the safety risk caused by incompatible chargers and batteries.
Sixty four per cent said they would purchase generic replacement batteries and chargers online.
Energy Safe chief executive 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,” said Ms Hughson who also warned against DIY building or modifying batteries, or attempting to charge damaged batteries.
“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.
