
Electric vehicles pose unexpected challenges for firefighters battling Los Angeles wildfires, complicating evacuation and cleanup efforts.
At a Glance
- Electric vehicle (EV) batteries create hazardous pollution and difficult-to-extinguish fires during wildfires
- EV fires can burn longer than gas-powered car fires and risk reignition
- Lithium-ion batteries release flammable gases, making traditional firefighting methods ineffective
- Burnt-out EVs and home-battery storage systems delay fire victims’ return to their properties
- California Governor Gavin Newsom highlights the complexity of wildfire debris removal due to EV batteries
Electric Vehicles Complicate Wildfire Response
As Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires, a new challenge has emerged: the presence of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in affected areas. These “eco-friendly” cars, once hailed as a solution to combat climate change, are now presenting unforeseen difficulties for firefighters and cleanup crews. The lithium-ion batteries powering these vehicles are proving to be a significant hurdle in containment and recovery efforts.
The unique composition of EV batteries creates a perfect storm of complications during wildfires. When exposed to extreme heat, these batteries can ignite and burn for extended periods, releasing hazardous gases and requiring vast amounts of water to extinguish. This not only prolongs firefighting efforts but also raises environmental concerns due to the increased water usage and potential contamination.
Firefighting Challenges and Environmental Impact
Traditional firefighting methods prove ineffective against burning EVs, as explained by fire safety expert Robert Rezende. “As the batteries start to burn, they actually release flammable gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and then they also release their own oxygen, and so smothering the fire doesn’t really work in these situations. Putting a bunch of water on them doesn’t really work in these situations,” Rezende said.
“So the battery just kind of has to run its course, and its chemistry needs to be consumed before it will stop being on fire,” Robert Rezende said.
This prolonged burning process not only ties up valuable resources but also contributes to air pollution and potential groundwater contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now faced with the daunting task of cleaning up hazardous waste, including batteries, in burned areas. This process is expected to be time-consuming and complex, further delaying the return of residents to their properties.
Evacuation Concerns and Infrastructure Limitations
The wildfires have also highlighted the limitations of EVs during emergency evacuations. EV owners reported longer lines at charging stations compared to gasoline stations, and concerns about limited evacuation routes. The situation has prompted some EV owners to reconsider their choice of vehicle. Val Cipollone, an EV owner, expressed uncertainty about evacuation readiness, stating, “Who knows how far you’d have to drive.”
These challenges are not isolated to Los Angeles. A recent McKinsey & Co. survey found that 46% of U.S. EV owners and 29% globally are considering switching back to internal combustion engine vehicles. Inadequate charging infrastructure, total costs of ownership, and impact on long-distance trips were cited as top reasons for this potential shift.
Government Response and Future Considerations
California Governor Gavin Newsom has acknowledged the complexities brought on by new technology in firefighting and cleanup efforts. “While the state has extensive experience with clearing cars with combustion engines, cleanup teams are still adapting to newer technologies like Tesla and other lithium-ion batteries, which can pose distinct risks when exposed to high heat from fires,” Newsom said.
The state’s push for electric vehicles, having surpassed 2 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles sold, now faces a new set of challenges. As California leads the nation in EV sales, it must also pioneer solutions for the unique problems these vehicles present during natural disasters.