There’s something about a set of car keys that seems to attract every child’s attention. They know they can’t go for a ride in the family car without them. But curiosity may get the better of them as their fertile minds wonder what’s inside electric car key fobs. And if they do succeed in opening these, the chances are they will find shiny lithium button batteries inside.
Safety Regulator Yellow-Cards Electric Car Key Fobs
The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) fined Tesla Motors Australia Pty Ltd AU$155,460 (US$ 93,324) for 10 safety infringements. Their findings all relate to non-compliance with regulations governing button batteries, in terms of the Australian Consumer Law.
The ACCC believes “Tesla failed to conduct the required safety tests before supplying three of its key fob models (electric car key fobs) and two of its illuminated door sill models. And failed to provide the mandatory safety warnings on these products as required by the standard.”
Australia was the first country to approve compulsory information and safety standards for button batteries. These became law after numerous cases of “significant injuries and deaths caused by button batteries in Australia and overseas”.
How Electric Fobs Attract Childhood Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, and want answers to everything. The Tesla electric car key fobs may also remind them of toys, adding to their curiosity. If they open small electric devices they may find shiny button batteries inside. If they pop them into their mouths to taste them, they may swallow them and face serious injury, even a painful death.
Tesla illuminated door sills and key fobs may be vanity items, because the company only sold 952 between 22 June 2022, and 30 May 2023. Tesla has now taken these products off the Australian market, and has begun testing them.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe explains, “Key fobs are often in easy reach and can be attractive to children. So, if the battery compartment is not secure and the batteries become accessible, they pose a very real danger to children.”
More Information
Australian Mandatory Button Battery Standard
Honey After Swallowing Button Batteries
