Toronto, Ontario — In today’s EV/AV report, electric vehicle (EV) demand spikes in the United States, the NHTSA authorizes autonomous vehicles (AVs) without human controls and EV batteries are found to be dangerous when mishandled – who knew?
Static shocks
Orders for Tesla vehicles are surging in the U.S. as oil prices rise with no signs of stopping.
According to sources at Electrek, Tesla vehicle orders have doubled this week, citing rising gas prices contributing to EV growth in some parts of the U.S.
While EV growth has been exponentially growing in recent decades, a 2022 KPMG survey suggests that more Canadians are seriously considering EVs, but would only purchase them once their cold-weather capabilities are proven.
Robo car
Recent Changes to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations have eliminated the need for autonomous vehicles to always have a driver’s seat, a steering wheel and accompanying steering column.
“For vehicles designed to be solely operated by an ADS, manually operated driving controls are logically unnecessary,” according the NHTSA report.
For more details on the NHTSA’s amendments to the Occupant Protection for Vehicles With Automated Driving Systems rulings, click here.
Electrical, not explosive
A recent study by Sandia National Laboratories finds that solid electrolyte batteries, also known as solid-state batteries can fail under circumstances. It concludes that even though solid-state batteries can be safer, they are not indestructible.
Solid-state batteries can fail when crushed, punctured or exposed to pressure, potentially short-circuiting and creating a flame as dangerous as traditional batteries. Both battery types can be dangerous in a crash, but the study points towards prevention as the ideal solution, rating batteries by insulation and cooling capability rather than their pyrotechnic potential.
You heard it here, folks. Do not set EV batteries on fire, they will explode.
