Australia is currently witnessing a concerning rise in fires linked to poorly built lithium batteries and low-grade electric motors. In most cases, the cause is simple: products are being sold “as cheap as possible” with no meaningful testing, no proper battery management systems (BMS), and no adherence to international marine safety standards.
At Vector Watercraft (VWC), we take a fundamentally different approach. We believe that safety is not an optional extra—it is the baseline of engineering.
Every electric motor and battery system we use follows recognised European standards, specifically:
These are not just administrative checkboxes. These standards require rigorous real-world testing for overcharge events, short-circuits, thermal stability, vibration resistance, water ingress, and protection against thermal runaway. This gives our customers the reassurance that the heart of their craft—the motor and battery—has been designed and tested properly, rather than left to chance.
Many cheap imports flooding the Australian market may look acceptable on the outside, but the danger lies within. Common issues include:
When these sub-standard systems are pushed in the Australian heat or charged incorrectly, they can overheat, swell, vent gas, or ignite. Once started, lithium fires are difficult to extinguish and spread rapidly.
To prevent these risks, VWC requires our manufacturers to follow strict European test procedures and cell-selection protocols. We only use battery packs built with:
These are the “unseen” components of the product, but they are the critical factors that determine whether a craft is dependable or dangerous.
European standards enforce essential engineering discipline. They govern how the motor integrates with the battery, how charging is controlled, and how the entire system behaves under stress. In a marine environment, factors like saltwater, heavy vibration, humidity, and intense heat can expose weaknesses very quickly.
While uncertified systems often fail to guarantee stability under these conditions, European-compliant systems must demonstrate real-world durability before they ever reach the customer. This level of accountability is something most low-end suppliers never submit to—and that difference shows over time.
For VWC customers—including surf lifesaving clubs, councils, tourist resorts, and private buyers—safety cannot be an afterthought. These organisations require equipment that protects both staff and the public. They need:
Vector Watercraft offers the reassurance that comes from proper compliance and craftsmanship. We are not the cheapest option—and we never intend to be. Instead, we are committed to supplying electric watercraft that meet international safety benchmarks and maintain the standards expected of a responsible marine industry. This engineering-first approach underpins the VWC brand and remains the most important reason to choose us over low-cost alternatives.
