Electric Vehicle Response for Fire - Towing Personnel

10/03/2025

The world's largest EV Battery Manufacturer, CATL, is launching a new type of battery. The new battery uses sodium, which is extremely abundant, and it's 10% of the cost of current lithium models. This new battery lasts longer without degrading so there's less of a loss in range and it's more resistant to extreme temps. The new Naxtra batteries are set to be used by 6 different Chinese EV manufacturers in 2026. We'll keep an eye out for safety information regarding these new batteries as they roll out.

In the meantime, you can find all the information you need on lithium-ion EV batteries on the EV-Clever app. Follow the link or search EV-Clever on the app store to start your free 30 day trial https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

It costs 10% as much as lithium, lasts longer, and works in extreme temperatures. And it's made of salt.

10/01/2025

Tax credits for purchasing EVs ended yesterday and demand for EVs will have to find a new equilibrium. Despite this year looking to set a record for EV sales, purchases are expected to plummet with the loss of the tax credit. EV makers remain optimistic however, that this will be a short dip before we reach a natural level of demand.

Federal incentives have been in place since 2008 so this will be a large shift for the industry. Some companies are planning to move away from EV development for the moment while others are pushing ahead with more affordability in mind.

It's set to be a record year for electric vehicle sales, but demand is expected to decline once federal incentives to buy EVs are discontinued after Tuesday.

09/29/2025

Last year there were at least 16 confirmed lithium battery fires due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. The problem is the salt water from the coast. Submersion in fresh water isn't great for the vehicle but it doesn't have the same effect. Salt water conducts electricity which causes short circuiting and thermal runaway, leading to fires. Hurricane season lasts from June to November so be prepared if you're near the coast.

You can find model specific emergency response information on what to do in case of fire on the EV-Clever app. Follow the link or search EV-Clever on the app store to start your free 30 day trial https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

Hurricane Helene Fires: Salt water and electric vehicles don't mixSubscribe to WESH on YouTube now for more: http://bit.ly/1dqr14jGet more Orlando news: http...

09/26/2025

The $7,500 EV tax credit is ending in the U.S. but it's not the end of the EV Industry. "Mark Schirmer, the director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, wrote in an email. “EVs are simply better vehicles.” Slowly, autos with more powerful batteries, longer ranges, faster charging times, and lower prices are showing up on lots. Charging stations are popping up in more places. More and more Americans should begin to decide that going electric is right for them."

EV sales in Europe and China far outpace EV sales in the U.S. but the industry isn't giving up even with the end of the tax credits. Ford, Hyundai, and Stellantis are still investing in new EV factories in the U.S. Whether you choose to drive one or not, if you're an emergency responder, chances are you'll have to deal with them

Changes in US government support for electric vehicles have led to a buying bonanza—and a darker long-term future for the US auto industry.

09/24/2025

Last year there were at least 16 confirmed lithium battery fires due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. The problem is the salt water from the coast. Submersion in fresh water isn't great for the vehicle but it doesn't have the same effect. Salt water conducts electricity which causes short circuiting and thermal runaway, leading to fires. Hurricane season lasts from June to November so be prepared if you're near the coast.

You can find model specific emergency response information on what to do in case of fire on the EV-Clever app. Follow the link or search EV-Clever on the app store to start your free 30 day trial https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

09/22/2025

The service disconnect loop is an important tool for first responders. This is a cable that is specifically meant to be cut through to disconnect the high voltage battery in electric vehicles during an emergency. The loop can be identified by a similar label in almost every electric vehicle

The best way to find this information however, would be from the manufacturer provided emergency response guide for the vehicle under the section "Disable Direct." If you don't have time to try to search Google for the pdf while you're on the side of the road, try giving EV-Clever a try!

We take information straight from the manufacturer and organize it into easy to navigate quick links so you can just click on what you need, when you need it. Follow the link or search EV-Clever on the app store to start your free 30 day trial https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

09/19/2025

Canada, like the U.S., has blocked the sale of Chinese EVs with tariffs but that could soon change. China has imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports like canola oil, canola meal, and peas which cuts farmers off from a market which sold $3.6 billion in 2024. Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said “The prime minister did say there is an EV review. We will see where that leads … the discussions are ongoing."

Emergency response information for Chinese EVs like BYD and Xpeng can be found on the EV-Clever app. Download the app now for a free 30 day trial. Follow the link or search EV-Clever in the app store. Available on Google Play Store and Apple. https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

Canada is considering lowering or dropping its 100% tariff on Chinese EVs to help its farmers affected by the PRC's reciprocal retaliatory tariff.

09/17/2025

In June a ship transporting 3,000 new electric vehicles from China to Mexico was abandoned by the crew after a fire started on deck. This is an excellent reminder that high voltage batteries and salt water do not mix. No official reason was given in the article but we can make an educated assumption, especially after seeing EVs go up in flames due to salt water storm surge from Hurricane Helene last year in Florida

You can find model specific emergency response information on what to do in case of fire on the EV-Clever app. Follow the link or search EV-Clever on the app store to start your free 30 day trial https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

Smoke was first seen coming from the section of the ship carrying EVs of a yet-to-be-disclosed brand

09/15/2025

A Lion electric school bus caught on fire Tuesday morning. The cause of the fire is uncertain but it was not the battery, which was undamaged, and some signs point to the heating system. No one was hurt in the incident

Emergency response information for Lion buses and other electric school buses can be found on the EV-Clever app. Download the app now for a free 30 day trial. Follow the link or search EV-Clever in the app store. Available on Google Play Store and Apple. https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

An electric school bus caught fire in Montreal on Tuesday morning. The bus driver was able to evacuate the five children inside after noticing an unusual odour and smoke coming out of the vents.

09/12/2025

Here's a list of the top 10 Plug-In EVs by sales so far in 2025. Emergency response information for all of them can be found on the EV-Clever App! Download the app now for a free 30 day trial. Follow the link or search EV-Clever in the app store. Available on Google Play Store and Apple. https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

09/10/2025

The article is from last year but it's still relevant. Knowing how to safely store electric and hybrid vehicles can prevent fires like this one in DeKalb County. The owner suspected the fire was started by an electric vehicle battery

General guidelines for storing EVs with potentially damaged batteries are to keep them at least 50 feet away from structures or other vehicles. Damaged batteries can re-ignite even after they have been on fire and put out so it's always better to be safe than sorry

Information on storing EVs is one of the quick link categories on the EV-Clever app. Download the app now for a free 30 day trial. Follow the link or search ev-clever in the app store. Available on Google Play Store and Apple. https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

An early morning fire on Friday engulfed an impound lot on Rogers Lake Road in Lithonia, damaging an estimated 97 vehicles.

09/08/2025

Towing electric and hybrid vehicles generally requires using a flatbed. This keeps the wheels from spinning and electricity being generated in the motor. Stellantis and Rivian however, are working on solutions based on patents filed earlier this year

The innovation could simplify towing EVs as well as opening up opportunities for people with RVs or moving vans to tow their own vehicles

Until that happens, you can find towing guidelines for electric and hybrid vehicles on the EV-Clever app! Download the app now for a free 30 day trial. Follow the link or search ev-clever in the app store. Available on Google Play Store and Apple. https://qrco.de/bfWEVZ

Towing EVs behind RVs presents some issues, but automakers are actively seeking to solve them.