A few weeks ago, there was rampant media coverage claiming a common and incredible fire hazard in the Chevrolet Volt. The media, being what it is, did, however, neglected to mention some minor details that would disprove the Volt fire hazard.
Bob Lutz, former GM Vice Chairman, in a recent article for Forbes, gives the following facts regarding the Chevrolet Volt, and the false safety claims that it has received.
- Not one Chevrolet Volt has ever caught fire under normal use or in a real accident.
- The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) conducted a highly artificial crash test, and still award the Volt it's highes safety rating: five stars.
- The crashed Volt that did catch fire (three weeks after the test), was a result of leaking coolant, from the vehicle being upside down. Additionally, the three week period should be more than enough time for any of the vehicles occupants to get to safety prior to burning in a firey crash.
- According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 278,000 gasoline engines caught fire every year from 2003-2007. Check out Electric Vehicle Safety Training from the NFPA.
