OUTCOME — March 2025
The District Court of Queensland dismissed Deep Cycle Systems' defamation claim on 11 March 2025.
The court found that DCS could not establish that it was an "excluded corporation" under s.9 of the Defamation Act 2005 (Qld) — meaning a company of DCS's size and international scale is not entitled to bring a defamation claim in Queensland. The proceedings were dismissed.
On 5 February 2026, DCS was ordered to pay my legal costs of $133,815.31.
I stood by every word in my reviews. The batteries failed. I reported what I found. That's what I will always do.
— Stephan Fischer
The Original Press Release (June 2024)
What follows is the press release I published when the lawsuit was filed. I'm keeping it here for transparency — it's part of the story.
Press Release — Published 25 June 2024
Sydney, 25 June 2024 — Stephan Fischer, content creator known for his detailed 4WD travel and product testing videos on YouTube, announced that he was facing a defamation lawsuit from Deep Cycle Systems Pty Ltd (DCS). The lawsuit involved potential legal costs exceeding $200,000 and was a significant moment for content creators who depend on the right to publish honest, independent reviews.
Background
Stephan Fischer has been part of the YouTube 4WD community for over a decade, sharing his passion for remote travel and product testing. His channel has always been self-funded, and he has maintained a commitment to honest feedback based on documented testing results.
What Triggered the Lawsuit
The legal challenge stemmed from Fischer's reviews of DCS LiFePO4 under-bonnet batteries. After extensive testing over three years — multiple battery sets, multiple replacements, and formal capacity tests with an independent auto electrician — Fischer raised serious concerns about the batteries' performance and suitability for remote touring in the Australian outback.
The results were documented: one battery at 50% capacity after less than two years, far exceeding DCS's claimed annual loss rate of 5%. Fischer published his findings. DCS responded with a defamation lawsuit filed in the District Court of Queensland, Proceeding Number 1169 of 24.
Fischer's Position
Fischer stood by the accuracy of his reviews throughout. His position was simple: the tests were real, the results were real, and the community deserved to know.
The case went to court. On 11 March 2025, the court dismissed DCS's claim entirely.
About the AllOffRoad Channel
Stephan Fischer's channel, ALLOFFROAD (youtube.com/alloffroadau), covers 4WD travel, remote touring, and honest gear testing. It has always been self-funded and independent — no paid reviews, no undisclosed arrangements.
Related: Three Years of Lithium Under the Bonnet — My Honest DCS Battery Verdict →
