Beyond the Flames: The Unseen Environmental Crisis of Burning EVs in LA

Red emergency light glowing in the dark.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are causing unexpected hazards during Los Angeles wildfires, complicating firefighting efforts and cleanup operations.

Quick Takes

EV lithium-ion batteries pose unique challenges in wildfires, releasing toxic gases and requiring excessive water to extinguish.
Burnt-out EVs and home battery systems are delaying fire victims’ return to their properties due to hazardous waste concerns.
California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledges the complexity of wildfire debris removal caused by EV batteries.
Some EV owners are reconsidering their choice due to range limitations and charging infrastructure concerns during evacuations.

EV Fires: A New Threat in Wildfire-Prone Areas

As California grapples with increasingly devastating wildfires, a new challenge has emerged: the hazards posed by electric vehicles caught in the inferno. The lithium-ion batteries powering these eco-friendly cars are becoming a significant concern for firefighters and cleanup crews alike. These batteries, when exposed to extreme heat, can ignite and burn longer than traditional gas-powered vehicles, releasing toxic gases and complicating firefighting efforts.

Robert Rezende, a firefighting expert, explains the unique challenges posed by EV fires:

“As the batteries start to burn, they actually release flammable gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and then they also release their own oxygen, and so smothering the fire doesn’t really work in these situations. Putting a bunch of water on them doesn’t really work in these situations.”

Burning Teslas in LA add toxic barriers to wildfire cleanup https://t.co/pUFKbWz6Zi

— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) January 18, 2025

Cleanup Complications and Environmental Concerns

The aftermath of these fires presents another set of challenges. Burnt-out electric and hybrid vehicles, along with home-battery storage systems, are contributing to a toxic mix of materials that require specialized removal. This situation is delaying fire victims’ return to their properties and raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is stepping in to assist with the cleanup, drawing on their experience from the 2023 Maui Fire, where they removed over 30 tons of lithium batteries from 94 electric and hybrid vehicles.

California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the complexity of the situation, stating, “While the state has extensive experience with clearing cars with combustion engines, cleanup teams are still adapting to newer technologies like Tesla and other lithium-ion batteries, which can pose distinct risks when exposed to high heat from fires”

EV Owners Face Evacuation Challenges

The wildfires have also raised concerns among EV owners about evacuation readiness and charging infrastructure. Some owners reported limited evacuation routes and longer lines at charging stations compared to gasoline stations. This has led to a reconsideration of EV ownership in wildfire-prone areas.

These challenges are not isolated incidents. A McKinsey & Co. survey found that 46% of U.S. EV owners and 29% globally are considering switching back to internal combustion engine vehicles. The top reasons cited include inadequate charging infrastructure, total costs of ownership, and impact on long-distance trips – all factors that become critical during emergency situations like wildfires.

Looking Ahead: Adapting to New Realities

As California surpasses 2 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles sold, the state leads the nation in EV adoption. However, this progressive stance on reducing carbon emissions now presents new challenges in disaster management. The auto industry and emergency services are working to address these issues. Tesla, for instance, has developed training videos for first responders dealing with EV fires.

Conrad Layson, an industry expert, notes the complexity of the situation: “The disposal of a burned-out EV is not as straightforward as it is for current ICE vehicles, especially one that’s already been involved in an ignition event”

As California continues to navigate the intersection of environmental policy and disaster preparedness, it’s clear that innovative solutions will be needed to address the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles in wildfire-prone areas. The state’s experience will likely inform policies and practices nationwide as other regions increase their adoption of electric vehicles.