Governor Jay Inslee of Washington recently signed a bill that directs the Washington State Patrol to conduct a study on the environmental and health impacts of electric vehicle (EV) fires.

Photo by(Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

This study is crucial as concerns grow over the potential dangers posed by EV fires, especially as the number of EVs on the roads continues to rise. The bill aims to address the unique challenges presented by EV fires compared to traditional gas vehicle fires and develop best practices for responding to such incidents.

Concerns Over EV Fires:

Recent events, such as the recall of the Chevy Bolt by General Motors, have raised concerns about the safety of EVs in the event of a fire.

Unlike gas vehicle fires that can typically be contained and extinguished with water, EV fires can spread rapidly and require significantly more water to put out.

First responders often have to let EV fires burn themselves out, posing a potential risk to surrounding areas. As more EVs hit the roads, the risk of fire spreading becomes a real concern.

Unknown Risks and Potential Impact:

The primary issue at hand is the lack of understanding surrounding EV fires. Experts point out that the true extent of the risks posed by EV fires remains largely unknown.

With the possibility of EVs catching fire in proximity to other vehicles, the consequences could be devastating.

Additionally, EV fires in wildfire-prone regions could present a new challenge during wildfire season. While it is theoretically possible for EV manufacturers to develop safer batteries, the associated costs may prove to be a significant hurdle.

The Future Study and Collaboration:

Senate Bill 5812, sponsored by Senator Jeff Wilson, mandates the study of EV fires and the development of best firefighting practices by the Washington State Patrol.

This study will involve collaboration with various agencies and entities to assess the environmental and health impacts, as well as developing response protocols for first responders.

The report is expected to be completed and presented to the Legislature by January 1, 2025.

What Are Your Thoughts?

• Do you think the concerns over EV fires are justified?
• How do you believe the risks of EV fires can be mitigated?
• Should EV manufacturers prioritize safety over cost considerations?

Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!