Electric vehicles (EVs) have been marketed as the future of transportation, touted as an environmentally-friendly and economical option for drivers. Yet, recent incidents across the United States have raised serious concerns about the safety of these vehicles, leaving many to question whether EVs are truly worth the risk. In Boulder, Colorado, homeowners were forced to flee as an electric vehicle in their garage caught fire, causing a loud explosion that startled nearby residents. The incident occurred just as firefighters were able to arrive at the scene, further highlighting the danger of EVs.
But this is not an isolated case. Just earlier this year in London, England, a double-decker electric bus exploded into flames on a busy street, sparking urgent calls for an investigation into the safety of the city’s green transit fleet. And it’s not just electric cars that pose a risk. In the past three years, 23 New Yorkers have lost their lives in lithium battery fires caused by electric bikes and scooters. This alarming trend has made battery blazes a leading cause of fatal fires in the city, surpassing cooking and smoking fires.
While proponents of EVs may argue that these incidents are rare occurrences, the truth is that they are happening more frequently than we realize. The fact that such a small proportion of vehicles on the road are electric makes it even more concerning that they are responsible for a significant number of fires. But even more concerning is the potential for these accidents to increase as the government pushes for a full-scale switch to EVs.
Electric vehicle explodes in garage in Boulder https://t.co/x2lciwfOAi
— 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) March 30, 2024
It’s not just the safety of people’s homes and lives that are at risk. The production and use of lithium batteries also have major environmental implications. Mining for the raw materials needed for these batteries can cause significant damage to the environment, and the disposal of used batteries is also a growing concern. This raises the question of whether EVs truly are as eco-friendly as they claim to be.
At 6:08 a.m., Boulder Fire-Rescue was called out to Emerald Road for a fire alarm called in by an alarm company.
Upon arrival, 2505 assessed that the electric vehicle inside was smoking. The call was then changed to a Fill-the-Box (requesting additional resources) when the… pic.twitter.com/gsq0IsiO1I— Boulder Fire-Rescue (@boulder_fire) March 30, 2024
Another issue with EVs is their reliability. As seen in the Boulder incident, the battery of the electric vehicle exploded without any warning or apparent cause. This lack of predictability and control can be dangerous for both the drivers and those around them. And given the high cost of these vehicles, buyers should expect better quality and safety standards.
Second London bus catches fire just a day after a double-decker exploded. Both vehicles are hybrids.
The hybrid London double decker bus was on fire this morning in North Woolwich, East London, with onlookers shouting 'what the f*** another electric bus blows up ! @MailOnline pic.twitter.com/TAYnG77KyE
— Dane (@UltraDane) January 13, 2024
Furthermore, the current infrastructure is not fully equipped to handle the increase in EVs. Charging stations are not readily available and can be unreliable, leading to long wait times and inconvenience for drivers. This is not a feasible solution for those who rely on their vehicles for daily commute or long-distance travel.
In conclusion, the recent string of EV-related accidents and fires have exposed the dangerous reality of relying solely on electric vehicles. While they may one day become a safe and sustainable mode of transportation, right now, we are not ready for a full-scale switch to EVs. The safety of people’s lives and homes should not be jeopardized for the sake of fulfilling the current administration’s green agenda. It’s time to rethink the rush towards EVs and prioritize our safety and well-being.