I'm wondering how in the world does this happen. I assume it is some sort of chemical fire...or maybe from the discussion it sounds like a possible electrical fire? Crystalized coolant reacting with battery chemicals causing fires...looks like the procedures for dealing with these electric cars is going to have to be overhauled.
Volt Battery Fire 3 Weeks After Crash Test
"After the crash test, NHTSA found a damaged battery and coolant leak and sent the car to a storage lot. Unlike a crash test with a gasoline engine, where the tank would be drained, the battery remained charged.
GM believes that after sitting for three weeks, exposed to the weather, the coolant crystallized and interacted with the battery, causingthe fire, said GM spokesman Rob Peterson.
In a normal crash, the coolant interacting with a Volt battery would not cause a fire, he said.
GM's protocol is to drain the battery of energy after a crash, but the automaker hadn't informed NHTSA at the time of the test, the company said. In an actual roadway crash, GM would have been notified via OnStar and would have removed the battery for research.
NHTSA wants all electric vehicle manufacturers to provide information on procedures they have established for discharging and handling lithium-ion batteries. That includes any recommendations for minimizing fire risks.
Since the fire, the agency has replicated the crash test with another Volt — leaving it sitting for three weeks — but there was no fire. GM also tested a Volt and has been unable to replicate the fire."
Volt Battery Fire 3 Weeks After Crash Test
"After the crash test, NHTSA found a damaged battery and coolant leak and sent the car to a storage lot. Unlike a crash test with a gasoline engine, where the tank would be drained, the battery remained charged.
GM believes that after sitting for three weeks, exposed to the weather, the coolant crystallized and interacted with the battery, causingthe fire, said GM spokesman Rob Peterson.
In a normal crash, the coolant interacting with a Volt battery would not cause a fire, he said.
GM's protocol is to drain the battery of energy after a crash, but the automaker hadn't informed NHTSA at the time of the test, the company said. In an actual roadway crash, GM would have been notified via OnStar and would have removed the battery for research.
NHTSA wants all electric vehicle manufacturers to provide information on procedures they have established for discharging and handling lithium-ion batteries. That includes any recommendations for minimizing fire risks.
Since the fire, the agency has replicated the crash test with another Volt — leaving it sitting for three weeks — but there was no fire. GM also tested a Volt and has been unable to replicate the fire."
