DOT seeks input on dangers of electric trucks for hazmat moves
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking feedback on potential safety issues associated with transporting hazardous materials using electric trucks.
PHMSA said it wants to “understand what impact the transition from ICE to EV motor carriers may have on hazmat packaging integrity, transportation safety, emergency response protocols, regulatory compliance, and overall vehicle risk.”
Factors such as battery chemistry, powertrain design, charging infrastructure, and vehicle weight distribution could introduce unique safety risks, PHMSA said in a Federal Register notice.
The agency wants to know the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, whether the use of electric charging stations creates additional safety concerns, and how the increase in total powertrain weight of EV batteries affects cargo safety.
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