To amend title 49, United States Code, to require each new electric and hybrid vehicle to be equipped with technology that allows the timely extinguishment of an electric vehicle battery fire, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6948
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T11:03:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, H.R. 6948, aims to improve the safety of electric and hybrid vehicles by requiring new models to include technologies that prevent and quickly address battery fires. It addresses risks like fires, explosions, and electrical failures, while also mandating a study on health effects for first responders.
Key Provisions
- Battery Safety Standards (Section 30130(a)): Within 2 years of enactment, the Secretary of Transportation must issue a final motor vehicle safety standard for new electric or hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S. This standard must mitigate risks such as battery fires, explosions, reignition (fire starting again), stranded energy (trapped power that can't be released safely), thermal runaway (a chain reaction causing overheating), fire entering the passenger area, and power loss. Key requirements include:
- Technology for first responders (e.g., firefighters) to access the battery quickly to extinguish fires.
- Systems to suppress thermal runaway if a battery cell is damaged.
- Protections to delay fire from reaching the passenger compartment, allowing time for escape or rescue after a crash or malfunction.
- Standardized locations for battery access and first responder tools to help firefighters respond efficiently.
- Consultation Process: The Secretary must consult with major electric/hybrid vehicle manufacturers, fire protection experts, professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and fire chiefs when developing the standard.
- Firefighter Guidance: Within 1 year after issuing the standard, the Secretary must publish training guidance for firefighters on handling electric/hybrid vehicle battery fires.
- Mechanical Door Releases (Section 30130(b)): Within 2 years of enactment, the Secretary must require new electric/hybrid vehicles to have clearly marked manual door and hatch releases inside and outside the vehicle. These allow safe exit if the electric system fails (e.g., during a fire or power loss).
- Definitions (Section 30130(c)):
- Electric vehicle: A passenger vehicle powered by an electric motor using a rechargeable battery, fuel cell, or similar, possibly with a charger.
- Hybrid vehicle: A passenger vehicle powered by both an electric motor and a gas engine or other source.
- Secretary: The Secretary of Transportation.
- Enforcement and Application (Sections 1(b)-(d)): Non-compliance incurs civil penalties (fines). The rules apply to vehicles manufactured or sold in the U.S. starting 2 years after the standard is issued.
- Health Study (Section 2): Within 1 year of enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must conduct and report to Congress on a study of health effects from electric/hybrid battery fires on first responders. The report includes study findings, input from fire experts and firefighter groups, and recommendations for laws to protect responders and improve battery safety. The report will also be posted publicly on the HHS website.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds a new section (30130) to Subchapter II of Chapter 301 in Title 49 of the U.S. Code, which governs motor vehicle safety standards. This introduces the first specific federal requirements for electric and hybrid vehicle battery fire prevention and response.
- Expands civil penalties under Section 30165 to cover violations of the new standards, making non-compliance enforceable like other vehicle safety rules.
- No changes to existing standards for non-electric vehicles, but it builds on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (part of the Department of Transportation) authority to set safety rules for interstate commerce.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Transportation (DOT) will need resources to develop standards, consult stakeholders, and issue guidance, potentially increasing regulatory workload. HHS will conduct the study and report, adding to public health research efforts.
- Citizens and Consumers: New electric/hybrid vehicle owners benefit from safer batteries and easier emergency exits, reducing injury or death risks from fires or power failures. This could boost consumer confidence in electric vehicles.
- Firefighters and First Responders: Standardized features and training guidance may improve response times and safety during incidents, while the HHS study could lead to better protective equipment or protocols.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though U.S. standards could influence global manufacturers exporting to the U.S., encouraging safer designs worldwide.
- Industry: Vehicle manufacturers face compliance costs for new technologies, possibly raising vehicle prices short-term, but it may spur innovation in battery safety.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Manufacturers: Must redesign vehicles to meet new standards, involving engineering changes and testing.
- Firefighters and First Responders: Professional, volunteer, and fire chief organizations provide input and benefit from safer response tools and health protections.
- Consumers and Vehicle Buyers: Everyday users of electric/hybrid vehicles gain enhanced safety features.
- Government Entities: DOT enforces standards and penalties; HHS leads the health study; Congress receives reports for potential further action.
- Standards and Advocacy Groups: Fire protection organizations and accredited standards bodies contribute expertise during consultations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal oversight of vehicle safety under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, with clear enforcement via civil penalties (fines up to $25,000 per violation, adjustable for inflation). Creates a minimum safety floor that states cannot undercut, but allows stronger local rules.
- Constitutional: Relies on Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), a standard basis for vehicle safety laws. No apparent free speech or property rights issues.
- Political: Addresses rising concerns over electric vehicle adoption amid fire risks, potentially supporting environmental goals (e.g., reducing emissions) while prioritizing public safety. Bipartisan sponsorship (by Reps. Latimer and Fitzpatrick) suggests broad appeal, but implementation could face industry pushback on costs or timelines. The required consultations promote inclusive policymaking, reducing litigation risks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 49, United States Code, to require each new electric and hybrid vehicle to be equipped with technology that allows the timely extinguishment of an electric vehicle battery fire, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (7 pages)