Home Owners
Home Owners Safety
Home Fire Safety & Lithium-Ion Battery Tips
At CESAT, we are committed to equipping homeowners with the knowledge and tools needed to
prevent fires—especially those caused by the growing use of lithium-ion batteries found in
everyday items like e-bikes, smartphones, power tools, and solar storage systems.
Whether you’re charging a scooter or storing backup batteries in your garage, safety starts with
awareness.
Top Fire Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Batteries in the Home
Use only the manufacturer’s charger and battery designed for your device, ensuring they meet certified standards such as UL 1642, UL 2054, or SAE J3400 for safety and compatibility.
Charge devices on a hard, stable, non-combustible surface away from exits, bedrooms, and flammable materials.
Avoid charging overnight or when unattended; always unplug devices once fully charged, especially overnight.
Store batteries at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, garages with extreme temperatures, and flammable materials like gas cans, paper, or cleaning chemicals.
Do not use damaged batteries (e.g., hot, swollen, leaking, or emitting odd odors/noises); watch for warning signs and dispose of them safely and immediately.
Recycle batteries at designated drop-off sites instead of throwing them in the trash.
Keep batteries away from children, pets, and avoid using damaged or DIY battery packs, as repaired or modified lithium-ion batteries can be unstable and a leading cause of fires.
What To Do If a Lithium-Ion Battery Catches Fire
Evacuate and call 911 immediately. Toxic gases and thermal runaway events can escalate in
seconds.
Close doors behind you. This helps slow the spread of smoke and flames.
Safe Storage Checklist for Lithium-Ion Devices
Charge on non-flammable surfaces (not beds or couches).
Never daisy-chain power bars or extension cords.
Don’t charge or store batteries in direct sunlight.
Dispose of dead or damaged batteries at your local hazardous waste facility.
Store your lithium-ion device in a certified product specifically designed for charging and storing such batteries.
Knowledge is Power—And Protection.
CESAT is Canada’s trusted leader in lithium-ion battery safety and fire prevention training.
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EV Safety Program – FAQ
A guide for new and future EV owners.
Charging & Everyday Use
Can I charge my EV in the rain or snow?
Yes. EVs and certified chargers are designed for outdoor use in all weather. It’s completely safe to charge in rain, snow, or cold—just like plugging in any outdoor-rated appliance.
Can I drive through puddles or flooded streets?
Yes, for shallow puddles and wet conditions. EVs are sealed and safe to drive in rain. But like any vehicle, avoid deep standing water. Water can damage electronics if submerged past design limits, and flooded roads are unsafe for all vehicles.
Can I use an extension cord to charge?
It’s strongly discouraged. Extension cords can overheat and create fire risks. Always use the manufacturer-provided cable or a certified Level 2 home charger installed by an electrician.
Is it safe to leave my EV plugged in overnight or during storms?
Yes. EVs have multiple built-in protections against overcharging, voltage spikes, and lightning. Just make sure your outlet or charger is properly installed and grounded.
How much does it cost to charge my EV at home?
Around $50–$70/month for most drivers. Charging during off-peak hours and using Level 2 chargers can lower costs. For very high mileage users, bills may be $100–$200/month depending on driving and local utility rates.
Winter Driving & Cold Weather
Do EVs work well in winter?
Yes. Toyota EVs are tested for Canadian winters. Snow, slush, and salt won’t stop an EV, and traction control systems help you stay in control.
Does cold weather affect EV range?
Yes, range can drop by 20–30% in extreme cold. But with smart planning, it’s manageable—especially for daily driving.
What is pre-conditioning and why does it help in winter?
Pre-conditioning warms the cabin and battery while the vehicle is still plugged in. It saves range, improves comfort, and helps the battery perform better. Use the Toyota app or schedule it daily.
Will the heater drain my battery?
Somewhat, yes. Cabin heat uses energy, but with pre-conditioning and efficient use of seat heaters, range impact can be minimal.
Should I keep the battery above a certain level in winter?
Yes, try to keep the charge above 20% in very cold weather to help maintain performance and avoid long charging times.
Do I need winter tires for my EV?
Absolutely. Just like any car, winter tires improve traction, braking, and safety in snow and ice. Make sure they’re EV-rated if possible.
Summer & Extreme Heat
Can heat damage the battery?
Not if you follow normal precautions. EVs have battery cooling systems, and they manage heat well. Just avoid fast-charging repeatedly in extreme heat and park in the shade when possible.
Will using A/C affect my range?
A bit, but far less than heating in winter. Most drivers see only a small drop in range while using A/C, and pre-cooling while plugged in helps reduce that.
Can I leave my EV plugged in during a heatwave?
Yes. The system manages battery temperature and charging safely. In hot climates, keeping your vehicle plugged in can even help maintain optimal battery health.
Driving Experience & Performance
Are EVs good in the snow or rain?
Yes. EVs deliver power instantly and evenly, improving traction. Toyota EVs include advanced stability and traction control systems to handle slick roads confidently.
How do EVs handle hills or towing?
Very well. Electric motors deliver full torque instantly, so climbing hills is smooth. Some Toyota EVs can tow small trailers, always check the specific towing capacity for your model.
Are EVs safe to drive through car washes?
Yes. EVs are sealed and waterproof. Just follow the same precautions as you would with any modern vehicle.
Is the driving experience different?
Yes, in a good way. EVs are smoother, quieter, and more responsive. Many drivers love “one-pedal driving,” where regenerative braking slows the car and recharges the battery.
Maintenance & Repairs
Do EVs need less maintenance than gas vehicles?
Yes. No oil changes, no spark plugs, fewer fluids, and fewer moving parts. You’ll still need tire rotations, brake inspections, cabin filters, and software updates.
Do EVs wear through tires faster?
Often yes, due to heavier weight and instant torque. Expect to replace tires every 30,000–40,000 km unless using EV-specific tires, which are optimized for longevity and load.
How often should I rotate EV tires?
About every 8,000–10,000 km. Regular rotations help extend tire life and improve efficiency.
What about brakes, do they last longer?
Yes. Thanks to regenerative braking, brake pads are used less and often last much longer than on gas vehicles.
Battery & Long-Term Ownership
How long will the battery last?
Most EV batteries last 10–20 years. Toyota offers an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Real-world data shows minimal degradation over time with proper care.
What affects battery health?
Extreme heat/cold, frequent fast-charging, deep discharges, or overcharging. Using Level 2 charging and avoiding “top-off” charging daily helps extend battery life.
Can batteries be replaced?
Yes. Replacements are available but rarely needed. Batteries can also be reused for energy storage and are increasingly recyclable.
What happens to the battery after the EV is retired?
Batteries are sent to certified recyclers or reused for stationary energy. Toyota supports responsible battery lifecycle management.
Can I charge my EV every day, or should I wait?
Charging daily is fine, just avoid always going from 0 to 100%. Keeping the battery between 20% and 80% helps long-term health.
Safety, Emergencies & Insurance
Are EVs safe in a crash?
Yes. Toyota EVs exceed all safety standards. Batteries are placed low for stability and are well-shielded.
What happens if an EV catches fire?
EV fires are extremely rare, less likely than gas car fires. But if a fire occurs, it behaves differently. Fire services are now trained on EV-specific response. Always evacuate and call 911.
Are EVs safe to drive after a collision?
Not always. If your EV has been in a crash, have it inspected before driving again. Battery damage may not be visible.
Is insurance more expensive for EVs?
Sometimes, but not always. Repair costs and parts availability may affect premiums. However, many EVs now qualify for green vehicle discounts.
Do I need special training to drive or own an EV?
Not at all. If you can drive a gas car, you can drive an EV. Toyota also provides great walkthroughs during delivery, and you have CESAT as an expert support partner.
Family Use, Accessibility & Daily Life
Are EVs family-friendly?
Very. Many models have roomy interiors, low noise, and great safety ratings. Instant torque makes merging easy, and there’s usually more cargo space due to flat floor design.
Can kids plug in the charger?
Technically yes, but it's best for adults to handle charging. EV chargers are safe, but supervision ensures correct and safe use.
Can I install a charger outside in my driveway?
Yes. Outdoor-rated Level 2 chargers are made for Canadian winters. A licensed electrician can ensure it’s installed to code.
What if I move, can I take my charger?
Yes. Many chargers can be uninstalled and reinstalled at a new location. Some EV owners also use portable Level 2 chargers that plug into 240V outlets.
Sustainability & Environmental Benefits
Are EVs really better for the environment?
Yes. Even with battery production, EVs produce far fewer emissions over their life than gas vehicles, especially when powered by clean electricity.
What about mining and materials?
Battery materials like lithium and cobalt have environmental impacts, but new standards and recycling initiatives are improving sustainability. Toyota is investing heavily in ethical sourcing and battery recycling.
Can EVs help with air quality and health?
Absolutely. No tailpipe emissions means cleaner air, especially in cities. EV adoption directly supports climate and health goals across North America.
Have More Questions?
You're never on your own.
Toyota’s EV Safety Program is powered by CESAT, an independent non-profit. If you ever have a question, email [email protected] and our safety experts will help, whether it’s about your EV, home setup, or clean energy concerns.
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