Rhode Island House OKs EV Database Bill To Help Firefighters

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives has approved legislation from Rep. Earl A. Read III to create a database of certain electric and hybrid vehicles to support firefighting efforts.

The bill would direct the state fire marshal, working with the Division of Motor Vehicles, to create and maintain a vehicle identification database for electric or hybrid motor vehicles powered in whole or in part by a high-voltage lithium-ion storage battery.

Read, D-West Warwick and Warwick, said the measure is aimed at helping fire departments respond to a type of fire that can present different risks than conventional vehicle fires.

“Electric vehicle fires can pose unique challenges to firefighters,” said Read said, a retired Warwick police officer.

“The intense heat, prolonged burn times and release of toxic gases, such as hydrogen fluoride, require specialized hazard tactics from fire departments," he said. "This legislation would create a system of communication between the DMV and fire departments, helping firefighters know where these vehicles are located.”

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