Summary
- State lawmakers are calling on the governor to delay state mandates for electric vehicles, specifically large vehicles like semi-trucks.
- Recent crashes involving electric semi-trucks have shut down highways, leaving drivers stranded for hours due to the challenges in responding to lithium-ion battery fires.
- Electric vehicle fires require more water to extinguish and can reignite after being put out, making them more difficult for first responders to manage.
- A letter from 21 lawmakers, including Assemblymember Jim Patterson and Senator Brian Jones, has been sent to the governor asking for the delay of state EV mandates.
- While there is a plan in place for the transition to electric vehicles, concerns about emergency response to EV fires have led to calls for a halt in the expansion of this technology until better plans are developed.
Article
Some state lawmakers in California are calling on the Governor to delay state mandates for electric vehicles, specifically large vehicles like semi-trucks, due to concerns about responding to crashes involving lithium-ion batteries. Recent crashes involving electric semi-trucks have shut down highways, leaving drivers stranded for hours without access to necessities like gas, food, and medical supplies. First responders are still developing the proper response techniques for these types of crashes, as lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish and can reignite even after initially being put out. The fires can require large quantities of water and even Hazmat response, making them more challenging to manage than fires in traditional gas or diesel vehicles.
In response to these incidents, 21 lawmakers, including Assemblymember Jim Patterson and Senator Brian Jones, have sent a letter to the Governor asking for a delay in state mandates for electric vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order in 2020 requiring all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, with a deadline of 2045 for moderate to heavy-duty trucks. Lawmakers are concerned about the lack of a comprehensive plan in place to handle emergencies involving electric vehicle fires, and want to ensure that proper protocols are established before further expanding this technology.
The California Air Resources Board has cited a study by the International Zero Emission Vehicle Alliance, which found that electric vehicle fires were less common than fires in gas vehicles up until 2023. However, as the number of electric vehicles on the roads increases, the study predicts that the frequency of EV fires will also rise. Lawmakers are calling for a halt on the expansion of electric vehicle technology until a solid emergency response plan is in place to address the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires. They are seeking feedback from California motorists on their experiences being stuck in traffic due to vehicle fires and stranded for extended periods of time.
Josh Sellers of the Fresno Fire Department highlighted the difficulties of extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires, which can require significantly more water than fires in gas or diesel vehicles. Electric vehicle fires can require up to five to 10,000 gallons of water, compared to 500 to 750 gallons for traditional vehicles. Sellers emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to respond to these types of emergencies and ensure the safety of first responders and motorists alike. As lawmakers continue to push for a delay in state mandates for electric vehicles, the Governor’s office has yet to respond to their concerns. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and follow reporter Kate Nemarich on social media for the latest news updates.
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