{
  "id": 10071129,
  "title": "Warning from EV owner caught with low charge in bushfire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/warning-from-ev-owner-caught-with-low-charge-in-bushfire",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T21:29:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-27/ev-owners-warned-plan-ahead-for-bushfire-season/107176578"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An experienced electric vehicle (EV) owner who was caught in a bushfire zone with a low battery charge is warning new EV drivers about the importance of having a full tank of charge before heading into potential fire zones. Nigel Raynard, who owns an EV chauffeur service in northern New South Wales, found himself in the path of the Boddington fire in January with less than 15 percent battery life. Despite the car's software telling him to turn around, Raynard insisted on continuing his journey. However, when he arrived at a town with an EV charger, he was met with hesitation from police who were reluctant to let him enter the town under evacuation orders. After a standoff, the police finally allowed Raynard to use the fast charger, which took 15 minutes to recharge his vehicle.\n\nRaynard's experience has left him concerned that new EV owners might face similar issues. He advises them to carry a little more battery than they think they need and to have a back-up plan, as there might not be a charging station in every town. Emma Sutcliffe, CEO of EV FireSafe, an Australian company that researches electric vehicle high-voltage battery fires and emergency response, clarified that EVs are not more dangerous or likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars. However, she emphasized that there can be post-incident fire risks, with batteries potentially catching fire days, weeks, or even months after a bushfire.\n\nSutcliffe highlighted that while the battery pack is often the strongest part of an electric vehicle, it's essential to be prepared for potential fires. She noted that some EV brands offer features, such as excellent air filters, that could prove critical during a bushfire. For instance, in 2019, Tesla cars were used by people with respiratory issues to sit in while the air was smoky. Additionally, EVs can double as a power source during power outages caused by bushfires, providing dispatchable power for essential equipment and lighting.",
  "summary": "The owner of an EV chauffeur service learned a valuable lesson when he found himself in a bushfire zone with a dwindling battery.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}