Interview with Mary Barra

[70 copo]

Without knowing the safety of the newer upcoming Battery technology from GM what we have today is Knowledge based upon experience. What we know:

These EV's can experience multiple classes of fires:

Class A (tires, fabrics, plastics).
Class B (fuel).
Class C (lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric cars).
Class D (magnesium, titanium, aluminum and lithium).
Electric vehicle fires can exceed 5,000 F. Applying water or foam may cause a violent flare-up as the water molecules separate into explosive hydrogen and oxygen gases.

There are several common risks for first responders associated with electric vehicle fires:

Electrical shock (up to 400 volts).
Extremely high temperatures and thermal runaway.
Toxic fumes.
Lithium burns (respiratory and skin reactions).
Toxic runoff.
Reignition up to 24 hours after initial extinguishment.