Lithium batteries are everywhere — and when they fail, things can get seriously hot.
Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life. They power everything from e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools to mobile phones, laptops, e-foils and an increasing range of equipment we take aboard our boats.
They are lightweight, powerful and incredibly convenient, but they can also present a serious fire risk if they are damaged, incorrectly charged, poorly stored or otherwise misused. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says lithium-ion battery fire incidents are increasing in New Zealand and overseas, and specifically identifies e-scooters, e-bikes, vapes and power tools as devices requiring care.
For boat owners, the potential consequences are particularly concerning. A fire aboard a vessel can spread quickly through confined spaces, while access to firefighting equipment and emergency services is obviously very different from being at home.
Importantly, the risk isn’t necessarily your boat’s electrical system. Increasingly, it can be the portable batteries and devices we bring aboard.
It’s not just e-bikes and e-foils
When we think about lithium-ion battery risks, it’s easy to focus on larger items such as e-bikes, e-scooters and e-foils. But there are plenty of smaller devices that deserve the same consideration.
Power tools are a good example. Drills, grinders, impact drivers and other cordless tools often use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can be damaged through dropping, impact, heat or moisture and should not be used or charged if damaged.
Mobile phones, tablets and laptops also contain lithium-ion batteries. While the individual battery is much smaller, charging devices on beds, cushions or other soft surfaces can allow heat to build up. FENZ recommends charging on a hard, flat surface and avoiding charging damaged devices.
E-scooters and e-bikes deserve particular attention because of their larger batteries. FENZ recommends using the correct charger, avoiding charging near exits or escape routes, and keeping these devices away from heat, moisture and combustible materials.
A few simple precautions
- Use the manufacturer’s recommended charger and the correct battery for the device.
- Don’t use batteries that are damaged, swollen, leaking, unusually hot or producing an unusual smell or noise.
- Charge batteries on a hard, flat surface, away from combustible materials.
- Avoid charging batteries unattended or overnight.
- Keep batteries and chargers protected from heat, direct sunlight, saltwater and moisture.
- Don’t charge or use a battery-powered device that has been dropped, damaged or exposed to water.
- For larger devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters, avoid storing or charging them in escape routes or confined living spaces.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storage and disposal.
And don’t forget your insurance
As lithium-ion batteries become increasingly common aboard boats, the way battery-powered equipment is stored, charged and used may become an increasingly important consideration for insurance.
Some policies may contain specific conditions relating to electrical equipment, batteries, charging or fire prevention. If you’re carrying expensive battery-powered equipment on your boat, it’s worth checking that your policy provides the cover you expect and that you’re complying with any relevant policy conditions.
The simple message is this: lithium-ion batteries are extremely useful, but don’t treat them as harmless just because they are small. On a boat, a few minutes of care when storing and charging them could make a very big difference.
