Local government to implement new rules for electric vehicles after startling statistic

In recent years, the convenience and eco-friendliness of electric mobility devices have seen their popularity soar across New South Wales.

However, with this surge in demand, there's been an alarming increase in fires due to batteries that power these devices.

It's a concerning trend that has prompted the NSW government to take decisive action to protect consumers and their properties.


Lithium-ion batteries have been standard, as they are found in daily devices like mobile phones and laptops.

When it comes to mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, the quality of these batteries is paramount.

Unfortunately, not all batteries are created equal, and these low-quality lithium-ion batteries led to a spike in fire incidents across NSW, with a reported average of one fire every four days.

This is a staggering statistic that cannot be ignored, especially considering the tragic event north of Sydney, where a battery explosion claimed two lives.


compressed-pexels-escooter.jpeg
Electric scooters and bikes run on lithium-ion batteries, that could flare up when not checked properly. Image Credit: Pexels/Markus Spiske


NSW Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong highlighted the urgency of the situation.

'We are acting ahead of other jurisdictions because unregulated products are posing a huge risk to property and, in some cases, lives,' Chanthivong shared.

With this, the NSW government will have a new regulatory regime that will start in February of next year.


Under this new regime, electric products sold in NSW need to be thoroughly tested and should adhere to internationally accepted product standards.

This means consumers can now have greater confidence in the safety of the e-mobility devices they purchase.

The implementation of new testing, certification, and labelling requirements will be rolled out in stages, ensuring a smooth transition for manufacturers and retailers.

Peter Bourke, the General Manager of Bicycle Industries Australia, pointed out that these devices offer solutions that improve health, reduce traffic congestion and emissions, and are often quicker for commutes.

The industry supported the NSW government's move towards higher quality standards.

They recognised that while the majority of products on the market are safe, it's crucial to eliminate the risk posed by substandard batteries.


The consequences of not complying with these new standards are severe.

Sellers who fail to meet the required quality standards could face penalties of up to $825,000.

This serves as a solid deterrent to ensure the safety of consumers and their homes.

As we embrace modern technology and the benefits it brings, we must also be aware of its potential risks.

It's essential to stay informed about the products we bring into our homes and to support regulations that promote safety and quality.

By staying informed and choosing certified, high-quality products, we can all enjoy the benefits of modern technology without compromising our well-being.
Key Takeaways

  • The NSW government saw a significant increase in lithium-ion battery-related fires, prompting a crackdown on battery safety standards.
  • The NSW government will introduce a new regime by February 2025, requiring products to meet international standards and be tested and certified before being sold.
  • New testing, certification, and labelling requirements will be implemented gradually to improve the safety of e-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters.
  • Sellers in NSW who fail to comply with the new battery standards could face penalties of up to $825,000.
Have you or someone you know been affected by a battery-related incident? What measures do you take to ensure the safety of your electronic devices? Please share your thoughts and experiences with e-mobility devices with us in the comments below.
 
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And, of course, we've all seen the very prominent signs displayed wherever you buy lithium-ion batteries warning of the fire/explosion dangers when recharging them, haven't wre?
 
It is not worth buying these electric items, whether it be cars, scooters & bikes.
There has been big problems with the batteries for a long time, until sodium iron batteries are fully developed we will continue to have problems.
 
Doesn't matter what certificate you get with a Lithium Ion Battery they are not safe, should always be charged out side on a concrete floor with nothing else around. They jumped the gun with putting these thing into everything, there is a better solution than them. Look at Toyota they haven't put out an Electric Car from what I know, ( I'm sure someone will jump on me if I'm wrong ) for that reason, they are sticking with more research for a better battery. And I'm quite sure people with these things know about the dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries. My new Apple Computer has this battery in it, not impressed but all electronic stuff has them.
 
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Just read about Sodium Iron batteries which I had never heard of before and that currently range from $240.00 to $40,000.00. I always thought that Sodium was an extremely volatile chemical that when in contact with water would explode. Has to be stored in oil to prevent combustion. Hopefully, the inventors have tamed it.
 
It is not worth buying these electric items, whether it be cars, scooters & bikes.
There has been big problems with the batteries for a long time, until sodium iron batteries are fully developed we will continue to have problems.
I can see big problems arising with these electric cars. With the amount of cars on the road these days it's not just a problem of your battery goes flat and another driver give help with jumper leads to get you going again. Don't think it will work with electric cars. Some house have more than one car. You can have the husband, wife and their kids all have cars. Couldn't all recharge them safely at home. Big mess if quite a few of these cars all got flat batteries. Would cause a real road block 😩
 
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Doesn't matter what certificate you get with a Lithium Ion Battery they are not safe, should always be charged out side on a concrete floor with nothing else around. They jumped the gun with putting these thing into everything, there is a better solution than them. Look at Toyota they haven't put out an Electric Car from what I know, ( I'm sure someone will jump on me if I'm wrong ) for that reason, they are sticking with more research for a better battery. And I'm quite sure people with these things know about the dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries. My new Apple Computer has this battery in it, not impressed but all electronic stuff has them.
Toyota Prius, been out at least a decade, dual petrol and electric. Hybrid motor.
 
What they do not admit to in the glossy sales brochures:
* EV Insurance Premiums are around 20% higher than normal vehicles.
* Using the battery as a stationary power source voids the Insurance policy.
* Home and contents insurance premiums may be affected if an EV is garaged in the premises.
* Resale value on EV's is much lower than similarly priced new gasoline-powered vehicles and this is mainly due to the battery. EV Battery replacement is expensive, and therefore second hand EV's are not as appealing as new, since buyers have no true way to assess how much longer the EV battery will last.
* Tyres on EV's do not last as long as they do on regular vehicles, due to the added weight of the Li-ion battery. EV's are around 10~15% heavier than reg vehicles. This can cause the tyres to wear out 20% faster than on regular vehicles.

Not sure if the powers that be realise this, but they need to address these issues if they really expect the public to embrace EV's. Owning /operating any motor vehicle is costly enough, but I love my Hyundai i30 and hope it will see me past the 2035 expiry date the WEF Agenda 2030 have set!
 
What they do not admit to in the glossy sales brochures:
* EV Insurance Premiums are around 20% higher than normal vehicles.
* Using the battery as a stationary power source voids the Insurance policy.
* Home and contents insurance premiums may be affected if an EV is garaged in the premises.
* Resale value on EV's is much lower than similarly priced new gasoline-powered vehicles and this is mainly due to the battery. EV Battery replacement is expensive, and therefore second hand EV's are not as appealing as new, since buyers have no true way to assess how much longer the EV battery will last.
* Tyres on EV's do not last as long as they do on regular vehicles, due to the added weight of the Li-ion battery. EV's are around 10~15% heavier than reg vehicles. This can cause the tyres to wear out 20% faster than on regular vehicles.

Not sure if the powers that be realise this, but they need to address these issues if they really expect the public to embrace EV's. Owning /operating any motor vehicle is costly enough, but I love my Hyundai i30 and hope it will see me past the 2035 expiry date the WEF Agenda 2030 have set!
Believe they want to have flying cars. Whose gonna paint the lines on where they can and can't go. You'd have more deaths cause if they had an accidental surely you'd have a fair drop and it's the sudden stop that kills
 
Doesn't matter what certificate you get with a Lithium Ion Battery they are not safe, should always be charged out side on a concrete floor with nothing else around. They jumped the gun with putting these thing into everything, there is a better solution than them. Look at Toyota they haven't put out an Electric Car from what I know, ( I'm sure someone will jump on me if I'm wrong ) for that reason, they are sticking with more research for a better battery. And I'm quite sure people with these things know about the dangers of Lithium Ion Batteries. My new Apple Computer has this battery in it, not impressed but all electronic stuff has them.
Yep obviously you haven’t seen the Toyota electric vehicle ads
 
I presume there is no legislation that prevents people charging e-bikes or e-scooters in their apartment. I guess it’s up to the Body Corporate. I was in a block in Melbourne that didn’t allow any bikes etc into lifts, so that basically kept them in garage areas. Recently I owned and lived in an apartment in another city. My immediate neighbour kept her e-bike in her apartment, and must have charged it in there. I was not sorry to sell my apartment, move out, and leave her to it!
 

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