NHTSA Closes Chevrolet Volt Fire Investigation

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

NHTSA has closed their investigation into the Chevrolet Volt’s fire risk, stating that the agency “does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles.”

NHTSA began the investigation in November after a Volt caught on fire following a crash test. Starting in February, GM will modify the Volt’s battery pack structure by reinforcing the steel surrounding the battery and adding a sensor that can monitor coolant leaks (as shown in the diagram above). Leaking coolant and a punctured battery pack were identified as the culprits. The text of NHTSA’s press release is below.

PRESS RELEASE: NHTSA Statement on Conclusion of Chevy Volt Investigation

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the following statement today regarding the conclusion of its safety defect investigation into the post-crash fire risk of Chevy Volts (PE11037):

Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its safety defect investigation into the potential risk of fire in Chevy Volts that have been involved in a serious crash. Opened on November 25, the agency’s investigation has concluded that no discernible defect trend exists and that the vehicle modifications recently developed by General Motors reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts.

NHTSA remains unaware of any real-world crashes that have resulted in a battery-related fire involving the Chevy Volt or any other electric vehicle. NHTSA continues to believe that electric vehicles show great promise as a safe and fuel-efficient option for American drivers. However, as the reports released in conjunction with the closure of the investigation today indicate, fires following NHTSA crash tests of the vehicle and its battery components—and the innovative nature of this emerging technology—led the agency to take the unusual step of opening a safety defect investigation in the absence of data from real-world incidents.

Based on the available data, NHTSA does not believe that Chevy Volts or other electric vehicles pose a greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. Generally all vehicles have some risk of fire in the event of a serious crash. However, electric vehicles have specific attributes that should be made clear to consumers, the emergency response community, and tow truck operators and storage facilities. Recognizing these considerations, NHTSA has developed interim guidance—with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy, and others—to increase awareness and identify appropriate safety measures for these groups. The agency expects this guidance will help inform the ongoing work by NFPA, DOE, and vehicle manufacturers to educate the emergency response community, law enforcement officers, and others about electric vehicles.

For additional information on the Volt investigation and others, visit www.SaferCar.gov.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Indi500fan Indi500fan on Jan 21, 2012

    If the fedgov really wants to get electrics to sell, they're gonna have to drive nat gas prices back up. If nat gas hangs @ $2/mmbtu for several years, nat gas cars are going to be the next wave, not electrics.

    • See 1 previous
    • Herm Herm on Jan 21, 2012

      @WRohrl The Civic is waaay overpriced, probably two tons of paperwork for each of those they build. We need high incentives to make more of these vehicles and trucks, I would say $7500 tax credit (note not a tax rebate) for a minimum 200 mile range on CNG.. I would love to see all diesel pickups (and cars if space allows) with a dual fuel option using CNG. Much higher tax credits for dual-fuel long haul 18 wheelers with CNG capability. Tax credits stimulate the economy and Detroit.

  • Lost Lost on Jan 23, 2012

    Hope you guys find this post! Video tear-down on You-Tube of the Chevy Volt. All of the electronics on an EV is SCARY compared to a combustion vehicle. From EE Times Video For now, take a look at 10 video outtakes we grabbed over the three days to get a sense for what they found and how the teardown evolved in front of our time-lapse cameras. http://www.youtube.com/driveforinnovation

  • MaintenanceCosts It's not a Benz or a Jag / it's a 5-0 with a rag /And I don't wanna brag / but I could never be stag
  • 3-On-The-Tree Son has a 2016 Mustang GT 5.0 and I have a 2009 C6 Corvette LS3 6spd. And on paper they are pretty close.
  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
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