Just how high is the risk of battery related fire in a Chevrolet Volt that is involved in a serious crash? The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to open a formal safety defect investigation to address the issue.
Earlier this year, the NHTSA performed a New Car Assessment Program side pole impact test and a post-impact rollover test on the vehicle. It also looked at the potential for intrusion damage to the battery which could result in a substantial thermal reaction and fire. Twenty one days later, delayed thermal heating and pressure release caused a fire that consumed the Volt and three other vehicles at the test facility.
Following that incident, the NHTSA has been looking at ways to gather information about the potential for fire in electric vehicles involved in a crash.
In November, it carried out follow-up battery level tests to simulate the incident by intentionally damaging the battery compartment and rupturing the vehicle’s coolant line. Following a test that did not result in a fire, a temporary increase in temperature was recorded a day later. Then a test the following day saw the battery pack rotated within hours after it was impacted – it also began to smoke and emit sparks shortly after rotation.
Now NHTSA has decided to open an investigation to examine the potential risks involved from intrusion damage to the battery in the Chevrolet Volt.
For now, the NHTSA urges electric car customers to follow precautions in the event of a crash. These include: exiting the vehicle safely and awaiting the assistance of an emergency responder; responders should check for markings or other indications of it being electrically powered and use copious amounts of water if fire is present or suspected, remembering that fire can occur for a considerable period after a crash.
