Los Angeles is facing serious cleanup challenges after destructive fires, made more complicated by burned-out electric and hybrid vehicles, along with home battery systems.
Key Facts
• Wildfires began on January 7, causing at least 27 deaths and destroying thousands of homes.
• Tesla cars and other EVs, as well as home power walls, burned longer and now require specialized cleanup.
• Over 431,000 Teslas were registered in Los Angeles as of October 2024, triple the national market share.
• FEMA has set aside $100 million for the cleanup.
• Residents in heavily damaged areas must wait for thorough safety checks before returning.
The Rest of The Story
Assembly member Jacqui Irwin reported that firefighters had to handle lingering battery fires both in cars and in power-wall systems.
Lithium batteries can be difficult to extinguish, sometimes needing large amounts of water to fully cool.
Crews are also dealing with toxic byproducts released when materials like siding, roofing, and stored chemicals burn.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order points out that California is still adapting to the risks of new energy technologies, including lithium-ion batteries exposed to high heat.
In some areas, evacuees have been allowed to return, while others must stay away until local authorities confirm buildings and utilities are safe.
In Malibu, where the blaze damaged much of the city, there is concern about heavy rains washing debris into the ocean.
Mayor Doug Stewart compared it to the Woolsey fire in 2018, noting that although the state managed that cleanup well, the current destruction is far more extensive.
Commentary
Events like these raise questions about whether electric vehicles are ready for widespread use.
If their batteries become a fire hazard during natural disasters, it may be too early to rely on them as a major transportation option.
As agencies and automakers develop new safety protocols, it is worth considering whether these cars should grow more prevalent before such issues are thoroughly addressed.
The Bottom Line
Burned electric and hybrid vehicles add layers of complexity to the already overwhelming task of cleaning up wildfire damage.
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California continues to push for greener transportation, but this tragedy shows that serious practical concerns remain.