Fact Check: Traditional methods waste thousands of gallons on EV fires—new method uses only 200 gallons!

Fact Check: "Traditional methods waste thousands of gallons on EV fires—new method uses only 200 gallons!"

What We Know

The claim suggests that traditional firefighting methods for electric vehicle (EV) fires consume thousands of gallons of water, while a new method reportedly uses only 200 gallons.

1. Water Usage in Traditional Methods: Reports indicate that extinguishing EV fires can require "thousands of gallons" of water. For instance, one study noted that the water usage could reach up to 150,000 liters (approximately 39,600 gallons) to extinguish an EV fire, particularly due to the challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries (source-6). Another source mentioned that firefighters have used "tens of thousands of gallons" in some cases (source-5).

2. New Method Water Usage: A new firefighting technique has been reported that utilizes significantly less water—specifically 200 gallons (approximately 750 liters) in total, which includes the use of a Cobra cutting extinguisher alongside traditional methods (source-4). This method aims to address the inefficiencies of conventional firefighting tactics.

Analysis

The claim is partially true. While it accurately points out that traditional methods can waste thousands of gallons of water, it also highlights a new method that significantly reduces water usage to about 200 gallons.

• Traditional Methods: The evidence supports the assertion that traditional firefighting methods for EV fires can be extremely water-intensive. The figures cited in various sources suggest that firefighters often use tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands of gallons to manage these fires effectively (source-5, source-6). This indicates a clear problem with water waste in conventional approaches.

• New Method: The new method's reported efficiency of using only 200 gallons is a significant improvement and is supported by credible sources (source-4). However, it is important to note that this method is not yet universally adopted, and the effectiveness may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each fire.

• Source Reliability: The sources referenced include studies and reports from reputable organizations such as the Washington State Patrol and fire safety research institutions, which lend credibility to the data presented. However, the dramatic differences in water usage figures suggest a need for further investigation into the conditions under which these figures were obtained and the applicability of the new method across different scenarios.

Conclusion

The claim that traditional methods waste thousands of gallons on EV fires while a new method uses only 200 gallons is partially true. It accurately reflects the significant water usage of traditional firefighting methods and highlights a promising new approach that reduces water consumption. However, the effectiveness and adoption of the new method are still under evaluation, and the claim could benefit from more context regarding the variability in fire scenarios.

Sources

1. PDF EV Fire Characterization, Firefighting Tactics & Stranded Energy Assessment
2. ELECTRIC VEHICLE FIRE STUDY - Washington State Patrol
3. Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Lithium-Ion Batteries
4. New revolutionary method tested extinguishes lithium-Ion EV fires in ten minutes with minimal water
5. Comparing How Electric Vehicle Fires Differ from Traditional Car Fires
6. Up to 150 000 liters of water needed to put out a fire in an electric car
7. UrbanCROC - Concordance SA
8. FSRI Study Focuses on EV Fires - Firefighting - Electric Vehicles