Australia's apartment stock was not designed with electric vehicles in mind. Underground car parks, shared charging bays, and enclosed parking structures create conditions where an EV battery fire can escalate rapidly — threatening entire buildings, their occupants, and the legal obligations of their managers. For strata managers and body corporate committees, EV fire safety is no longer a future consideration. It is a present responsibility.

Why EV Fires Are Especially Dangerous in Strata Settings

Enclosure

Underground and enclosed car parks trap heat and toxic gases produced during thermal runaway. Standard fire suppression systems — including sprinklers — are not designed to manage the sustained, chemically-fuelled heat of a lithium-ion battery fire. A single EV fire in an enclosed space can render an entire building uninhabitable for extended periods.

Proximity

Vehicles park close together. Fire spreads from one EV to adjacent vehicles with frightening speed. A fire that starts in a single battery pack can become a multi-vehicle incident in minutes.

Exit Routes

The same ramp residents use to exit a car park is often the primary egress route. An EV fire near this point can block evacuation while simultaneously making the space inaccessible to fire services.

Practical Steps for Strata Managers

1. Assess Your EV Exposure

How many residents currently own EVs? How many charging stations are installed or planned? Where are charging points located relative to exit ramps, building structures, and other vehicles? A clear picture of your current exposure is the starting point for appropriate risk management.

2. Install Purpose-Built EV Fire Equipment

EV fire blankets positioned near charging bays allow first responders — or trained building staff — to contain a fire before it spreads. EV-specific extinguishers on each level of the car park provide immediate first-response capability.

3. Develop an EV Fire Response Plan

A documented plan covering: who takes initial action, what equipment is used, when 000 is called, and how residents are evacuated. Review annually and ensure all residents are informed.

4. Communicate with Residents

Residents need to know what to do if they observe early warning signs — a battery overheating during charging, an unusual smell, or smoke. Posted instructions in the car park combined with digital communication to the residents group can save lives.