Thursday, 4 December 2025
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. This report will also help road managers and teams working in transport management centres to safely build resilience across the network.
EV-battery fire related incidents remain relatively rare in Australasia. As EV numbers grow across Australia and New Zealand, road managers are proactively planning 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” said Amy Naulls, Austroads’ Transport Network Operations Program Manager. “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. These hazards 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 as technologies and practices evolve.
The five-stage incident response framework outlined in the report is aligned with Austroads’ Guide to Traffic Management Part 9 and includes 17 recommendations to assist with planning, response deployment, incident scene management, and recovery. It also examines eight real-world case studies of EV battery fire incidents across a variety of road types, from motorways and freeways to suburban streets and rural roads.
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,” said Amy. “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.”
Download Incident Response for Low and Zero Emission Vehicles
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