What to do with the batteries? It seems that in the rush to phase out ICE vehicle no-one thought about the not-so-clean issues of natural disaster clean-up and disposal.
Hybrids seem to be the answer--but the Green types are allergic to common-sense compromise.
sustainabilitymag.com
Emergency teams face challenges removing EV batteries from fire-damaged areas, exposing critical gaps in disaster response & environmental safety protocols
Amidst the rubble, electric vehicle (EV) batteries have emerged as an unexpectedly problematic hurdle in these efforts.
California, a frontrunner in the EV market, is experiencing some unexpected repercussions of its green initiatives.
Approximately 40% of US EVs are in this state, powered predominantly by lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries pose a risk when compromised or exposed to the severe heat typical of wildfires.
As the clean-up process commences, residents are advised to keep clear of ash and debris which may harbour toxic materials from the impacted batteries.
More than 15,000 personnel along with 1,900 pieces of equipment have been mobilised to support the ongoing disaster management efforts.
This incident is a stark reminder to other regions heavily invested in EV technology of the need to enhance infrastructure and protocols for handling EV batteries under various conditions.
As the shift towards more sustainable transportation continues, it is crucial to balance the environmental benefits of EVs with the practical realities of their components in emergency situations.
Hybrids seem to be the answer--but the Green types are allergic to common-sense compromise.

EV Batteries Complicate California Wildfire Clean-Up
Emergency teams face challenges removing EV batteries from fire-damaged areas, exposing critical gaps in disaster response & environmental safety protocols

Emergency teams face challenges removing EV batteries from fire-damaged areas, exposing critical gaps in disaster response & environmental safety protocols
Amidst the rubble, electric vehicle (EV) batteries have emerged as an unexpectedly problematic hurdle in these efforts.
California, a frontrunner in the EV market, is experiencing some unexpected repercussions of its green initiatives.
Approximately 40% of US EVs are in this state, powered predominantly by lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries pose a risk when compromised or exposed to the severe heat typical of wildfires.
As the clean-up process commences, residents are advised to keep clear of ash and debris which may harbour toxic materials from the impacted batteries.
More than 15,000 personnel along with 1,900 pieces of equipment have been mobilised to support the ongoing disaster management efforts.
This incident is a stark reminder to other regions heavily invested in EV technology of the need to enhance infrastructure and protocols for handling EV batteries under various conditions.
As the shift towards more sustainable transportation continues, it is crucial to balance the environmental benefits of EVs with the practical realities of their components in emergency situations.