If the unethical and unconstitutional federal government directives for auto and truck “engine efficiency,” the unethical and unconstitutional government subsidies for electric vehicle manufacturing, and the pie-in-the-sky claims that the feds will (again, unconstitutionally) create hundreds of thousands of “charging stations” across the country have not been sufficient to insult Americans, the practical outcomes of poor EV performance in cold weather, expense, environmental liabilities, mineral demands, and the dangers of deadly EV fires might have roused some suspicion.
And now, reports are flooding in that, because of water damage due to Hurricane Helene, emergency crews not only are trying to help flood victims get food, water, shelter, and medicine, they increasingly are being forced to battle high-intensity electric vehicle fires.
Brad Anderson reports for Carscoops:
“Florida’s state fire marshall (sic) Jimmy Patronis has described electric vehicles impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton as ‘ticking time bombs’ due to the risks of them catching fire after being exposed to salt water.”
And this is not just automobiles, trucks, and buses. This includes electric scooters and e-bikes, the kinds of items that the federal bureaucracy promoting electric vehicles recently banned from inside the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), in Golden, Colorado, because of the fire risk.
Yes, that’s a true story. The NREL banned e-bikes and scooters from the interior of the building, because of the fire danger.
Related: New EPA 'Rules' Will Increase Already Stunning Federal Burden On Truckers...and Consumers
Anderson continues with more from Patronis and the e-vehicle threat in the storm-ravaged zone:
“’Floridians living on the coastline who own EVs are at risk of those EVs being inundated with saltwater storm surge which presents a dangerous fire threat to Florida families and their homes,’ he said. ‘If you have one of these vehicles including cars, scooters, hover boards, golf carts or children’s toys that have been compromised by flooding, please unplug the vehicle or device, and move it safely away from your home or apartment into a clear open space.’”
That’s a wise idea for virtually any owner of such devices, anywhere.
“Owners of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles were also warned of potential fire hazards. Patronis also called on manufacturers of EVs to inform customers in storm surge areas to relocate their vehicles and provided several tips to owners of lithium-ion-powered cars and devices. For example, locals have been urged to leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.”
One wonders why consumers are disregarding political pushes to get them to buy EVs.
“Additionally, owners have been encouraged to move vehicles outside and to unplug them. Owners would also be wise to disconnect a vehicle’s 12-volt battery and avoid all contact with the high-voltage battery ‘if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.’”
Wise words. And Patronis offers more:
“'As I’ve stated before, these compromised vehicles and devices are ticking time bombs, and my office will continue to coordinate with federal, state, and local officials to ensure consumers and first responders are aware of these fire hazards following Hurricane Milton,' the fire chief added."
I wrote about this problem a year ago, following Hurricane Idalia’s sweep across portions of Florida. At the time, I noted that the Institute for Energy Research observes:
“Not only are there more fires due to lithium-ion batteries in E-bikes and in electric vehicles, but they are far more intense and difficult to put out than other fires, burning with an energy that is twice that of a normal fire. The New York Fire Department recently reported that so far this year there have been 108 lithium-ion battery fires in New York City, which have injured 66 people and killed 13. And, last year there were more than 200 fires from batteries in e-bikes, electric vehicles and other devices. The fire commissioner warned New Yorkers that such devices typically explode in such a way that renders escape impossible. Further, in just three years, lithium-ion battery fires have surpassed those started by cooking and smoking as the most common causes of fatal fires in New York City.”
But Joe Biden last year announced another move to burn over $12 billion of our cash (and that of our progeny, since the US is $35 trillion in debt), on electric vehicle pork.
In other words, you are being forced to subsidize the creation of more fire hazards.
How about the arrogant arsonists of the political world leave us alone and not burn our money? How about they acknowledge the purported guardrails of the US Constitution and see that this pork, this central planning, these auto regulations from the EPA, are all unconstitutional?
At least that would provide a glimmer of hope instead of the hype.
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