Feds Launch Investigation into Chevy Volt Fire Danger

Federal safety regulators have opened an investigation into possible fire dangers in the Chevrolet Volt, an electric car that won the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year and is rated the most fuel-efficient car on the market. According to CNN, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted multiple crash test experiments to try to recreate the conditions that led to a car fire from a crash conducted in Wisconsin in May. In the three tests conducted, two of the tests resulted in thermal events like the one produced in May. These lithium ion battery problems occurred as early as a week and as late as three weeks after the initial accident.

In the three tests conducted, two of the tests resulted in thermal events like the one produced in May.

The May crash test in Wisconsin led to a fire three weeks later that destroyed the Volt as well as three surrounding vehicles. Three side-impact crash tests were conducted by the NHTSA in November to try to recreate the environment that led to the results observed in May. The test from November 16th did not result in any negative complications. The November 17th test first recorded an increase in temperature and then later, a fire. Finally, the November 18th test resulted in a battery that sparked and smoked.

The NHTSA has not issued a warning or a recall on the vehicle or parts, but stated that they would not hesitate to do so if they found an “unreasonable risk to safety.” Federal regulators put the vehicle through safety tests before the vehicle’s release, in which it earned a five-star rating for overall safety, side impact and rollover risk, as well as a four star rating for frontal crash protection. General Motors (GM) is now suggesting that the battery pack should be drained or depowered after a crash. GM and the NHTSA both report that they have not yet received reports of any similar incidences in the field.

Vehicles that present elevated risks of fires after crashes present a significant danger to the owners and occupants of these vehicles. Numerous cars in the past have been found to have serious fire problems, including the popular Ford Pinto and the Ford Crown Victoria.