EV Fires Pose Threat as Training Lacks

Aug. 2, 2021
A lack of guidance from OEMs and training by first responders is exacerbating the issue.  

Aug. 2, 2021一A national investigation has uncovered first responders remain under-trained to combat electric vehicle battery fires, WJLA reported. 

The investigation unearthed that the threat of an EV fire reigniting remains for as long as a full day after an accident, a key detail for collision repair shops that may operate on the vehicles. 

In a survey of fire departments across the country, 31 percent of departments said they had 'no hybrid electric/electric vehicles incident training,’ and 72 percent said awareness of hybrid/electric vehicles was an obstacle in responding to incidents.

According to the report, no vehicle manufacturers give specific instructions for minimizing the dangers posed by the risk of battery reignition.

About the Author

Ratchet+Wrench Staff Reporters

The Ratchet+Wrench staff reporters have a combined two-plus decades of journalism and mechanical repair experience.

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