To amend title 49, United States Code, to require each new electric and hybrid vehicle to be equipped with technology that allows the timely extinguishment of an electric vehicle battery fire, and for other purposes.

This bill would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue, within 2 years, a safety standard to reduce fire, explosion, and other battery risks in new electric and hybrid vehicles. The standard would require features such as first responder access to the battery for putting out fires, technology to suppress thermal runaway, safeguards to delay fire from reaching the passenger area, and battery access points in standardized locations. It would also require clearly marked mechanical door releases inside and outside each door and hatch so people can exit if the electric system fails. The Secretary would publish firefighter training guidance, and the Department of Health and Human Services would study and report on the health effects of these battery fires on first responders.

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Sponsors

• George Latimer Democrat sponsor
• 1 cosponsors