As heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) rise in prominence for transporting goods, questions about their safety when hauling hazardous materials come to the forefront. Concerns focus on the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and the implications of using electric charging stations during transportation. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) seeks insights from industry professionals and other stakeholders to address these issues.
The PHMSA has announced a 90-day public comment period to gather information on potential safety risks and operational challenges associated with using heavy-duty EVs for hazardous material transportation. This initiative, detailed in a notice scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Monday, Feb. 2, invites feedback on various aspects, including packaging integrity and regulatory compliance.
Concerns about EV battery safety are not new. In 2024, a virtual meeting held by the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed these issues, highlighting that EV batteries can reignite after an initial fire. Such incidents can occur during transportation or storage, posing increased risks when these batteries power vehicles carrying hazardous materials.
PHMSA’s Inquiry
PHMSA’s inquiry includes numerous questions aimed at understanding the nuances of EV technology in hazmat transportation. Key questions include:
- Are there differences in containment failure risks between EV batteries and internal combustion engine systems?
- How does the increased weight of EV batteries impact cargo safety?
- Do certain hazardous materials pose greater risks when transported by EVs?
- What vulnerabilities exist in EV systems that are unique to hazmat transport?
- How do fire risks from EV battery thermal runaway compare to internal combustion incidents?
- What are the risks associated with charging stations for hazmat-carrying EVs?
- Should hazmat transportation regulations be updated for EV-specific challenges?
Participating in the Discussion
The public has 90 days to submit comments once the notice is published. Interested parties can provide their input and view the complete list of questions by visiting Regulations.gov and entering PHMSA-2025-0678. LL
Land Line Associate Editor Tyson Fisher contributed to this article.
Original Story at landline.media