Rfusnevsssummit
Rfusnevsssummit
Rfusnevsssummit
SUMMARY REPORT
November, 2010
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Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are seeing resurgence on U.S. roadways. As new
vehicles based on electrical power sources proliferate, questions exist as to how well the
current codes and standards adequately address all the safety concerns relating to these new
vehicles, their components, and the supporting technology in the built infrastructure.
The U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit was held on 21-22 October 2010 in
Detroit Michigan to address safety related codes and standards issues. The Summit focused on
the fundamental codes and standards centric areas of: vehicles; built infrastructure; and
emergency responders.
The purpose of the Summit was to develop the base elements for an action plan for the safe
implementation of electric vehicles, and using safety standards as the primary mechanism for
this action plan. Specifically, the objectives of the event were the following: identify the
relevant fire and electrical safety codes, standards and specifications; identify gaps in these
codes, standards and specifications; identify related gaps in research, training, or
communications which stem from OEM safety manual development and deployment; and
develop the base elements for an action plan for necessary standards development and
associated deployment activities to fill these gaps.
The Summit provided an important venue for the gathering of key individuals, organizations
and agencies to develop a common knowledge to ensure that fire and electrical safety
standards that impact electric vehicles will not serve as a barrier to their deployment. As a
result, the information gathered throughout the Summit has revealed the following key areas
where further focused attention is warranted:
• charging infrastructure;
• understanding battery hazards;
• vehicle features that address concerns of emergency responders;
• permitting and inspection;
• training and education; and
• aftermarket vehicles and components.
A review and synthesis of all the information considered throughout the Summit, including
consideration of the critical elements of the six aforementioned key areas, results in the
identification of the following three action plan considerations:
1) Vehicle Charging Infrastructure;
2) Battery Hazards Identification and Protection; and
3) Training for Emergency Responders and Enforcement Officials.
A significant positive result of this Summit has been the networking component that has
established valuable dialogue between important constituent groups on certain critical issues.
The Summit was co-hosted by SAE International and the National Fire Protection Association.
Appreciation is expressed to all who were involved with and assisted in the planning and
implementation of the event, in particular the staffs of the respective co-hosting organizations.
SAE International has more than 121,000 members - engineers, business executives, educators,
and students from more than 97 countries - who share information and exchange ideas for
advancing the engineering of mobility systems. SAE is your one-stop resource for standards
development, events, and technical information and expertise used in designing, building,
maintaining, and operating self-propelled vehicles for use on land or sea, in air or space.
The mission of the international nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),
established in 1896, is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality
of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and
education. NFPA is the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source
on public safety, NFPA develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes
and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. NFPA
membership totals over 75,000 individuals around the world.
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Summary Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Annex A: Attendees at the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit . . . . . . 35
Electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are seeing resurgence on U.S. roadways. As of
November 2009, the U.S. was the top hybrid electric market in the world with approximately
1.5 million vehicles.1-1 Vehicles that run only on electricity powered by batteries promise to join
hybrids soon. In 2009, President Barack Obama pledged to have one million plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles on the road by 2015, and championed a $2.4 billion initiative, under the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, intended to accelerate electric vehicle research and
development.1-2
Safety codes and standards address a wide range of issues relating to vehicles. As new
technology emerges that is supporting the proliferation of vehicles based on electrical power
sources, questions exist as to how well the current codes and standards adequately address all
the safety concerns relating to these new vehicles, their components, and the supporting
technology in the built infrastructure.
From an overall perspective there are three basic realms of codes and standards orbits relating
to electric vehicle safety. These are: (1) vehicles; (2) built infrastructure; and (3) emergency
responders. Each of these three realms has different regulatory issues and consensus codes
and standards. This is illustrated in Figure 1: Basic Realms of Focus on Electric Vehicle Related
Codes and Standards.1-3
Figure 1: Basic Realms of Focus on Electric Vehicle Related Codes and Standards. 1-3
First, on-board vehicles concerns are generally regulated more on a federal level, and are
addressed by SAE and other vehicle oriented codes and standards. This area of interest
pertains to the vehicle and all its components.
Third, the built infrastructure in the United States is normally regulated on the state or local
level. This is consistent with the police power used to enforce building safety that is provided
to state governments through the 10th Amendment of U.S. Constitution. Regulations are based
on numerous model consensus codes and standards from NFPA and other organizations.
Enforcing these requirements are the state and local fire marshals, fire inspectors, building
officials, electrical inspectors, public health officials, and others with similar official
enforcement duties.
In the United States there are a wide range of consensus model codes and standards that
address electric vehicles and the multitude of issues relating to and supporting electric vehicles.
These address or relate to safety issues for EVs and HEVs either in whole or in part, which are of
interest to emergency responders and other safety professionals. They address concerns and
provide information about not only the vehicle itself but also for the supporting infrastructure
(e.g. charging stations and other similar auxiliary support equipment), as well as operational
information for direct use by emergency responders.
Tables 1 and 2 summarize some of the applicable technical codes and standards that address
safety design requirements directly relating to EVs and HEVs.1-4 These documents are typically
in constant revision cycles, resulting in new and/or updated editions on a regular basis. These
two tables represent only a partial list of the more relevant codes and standards activities used
to provide clarification at the Summit of some of the available standards on this topic. This
information was available as the Summit to provide an example of some of the applicable
standards, and is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of referenced publications. Further
work on electric vehicles should consider the documents of other standards developing
organizations that may have applicability (e.g. IEC, ICC, IEEE, ISO, NECA, NEMA, UL, etc)
The “U.S. National Electric Vehicles Safety Standards Summit” was a two-day information
sharing and planning event held on 21-22 October 2010 at Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Over 100 attendees participated in the meeting that was co-hosted by SAE International and
the National Fire Protection Association.
The purpose of the Summit was to develop the base elements for an action plan for the safe
implementation of electric vehicles, using safety standards as the primary mechanism for this
action plan. Specifically, the objectives of the event were the following:
• Identify the relevant fire and electrical safety codes, standards and specifications which
address the safety hazards associated with the widespread implementation of electric
vehicles.
• Identify gaps in these codes, standards and specifications (changes/enhancements
and/or new standards).
• Identify related gaps in research, training, or communications which stem from OEM
safety manual development and deployment.
• Develop the base elements for an action plan for necessary standards development and
associated deployment activities to fill these gaps.
This Summit provided a venue for the gathering of key individuals, organizations and agencies
that, working together, are developing a shared implementation plan to ensure fire and
electrical safety standards that impact electric vehicles will not serve as a barrier to their
deployment. The four major aspects of the safe deployment of electric vehicles addressed at
the summit were:
• SDO Codes and Standards and OEM manuals addressing safety in the vehicle
• SDO Codes and Standards addressing the infrastructure surrounding electric vehicles
(e.g. recharging stations, home recharging, battery storage, etc);
• SDO Codes and Standards which address emergency response to vehicle emergency
events; and
• Other related Codes and Standards (E.g. user community specifications, insurance
industry standards, etc).
The Summit took place over two full days and utilized the following format. For Day One, the
Summit consisted of a series of presentations by key stakeholders in each of the four identified
codes and standards area. Each presenter utilized a “white-paper” approach to address an
assessment of existing standards in that area, standards development activities ongoing,
identified potential gaps in both existing content and needed new standards, and offered
recommendations of next steps.
For Day Two, the attendees separated into three concurrent Workgroup breakout sessions of
stakeholders i to review and complement the Day One assessment. Each of the three Working
Groups had a central theme that served as their primary focus that they were to address first,
followed by the other themes that were not their particular priority. These three Workgroup
themes were vehicles, built infrastructure, and emergency responders.
Each of the Day Two Working Groups addressed and responded to a set of structured questions
to allow consistency between the independent discussions. At the end of Day Two a final
This overall Report serves as the documentation of the Summit, and includes the essential
information that provides the basis for consideration of an action plan for codes and standards
development and associated supporting activities to facilitate the safe implementation of
electric vehicles.
The first day of the two day Summit was structured around a series of presentations by key
stakeholders. The intent was to provide an assessment of existing standards, review ongoing
standard development activities, and identify potential gaps, both in existing safety standards
as well as in needed new standards or other related areas.
Specifically, welcoming remarks and a keynote presentation set the overall tone of the Summit,
and subsequent presentation throughout the day were grouped into four basic groups bringing
focus to the primary areas of safety standards development. The four basic groups represent
the primary areas in which safety standards are involved with supporting electric vehicles, and
these were:
1) Vehicles;
2) Built infrastructure;
3) Emergency responder; and
4) Other.
The “Vehicles” group addressed issues involving electric vehicles and the on-board equipment
they contain. Additional focus was provided on vehicle batteries, recognizing that they are a
key element of the overall electric vehicle package. Mention was made of the different
standards applicable to the different types of electric vehicles, various configurations of
batteries, vehicle oriented charging interconnections, considerations of consumers versus fleet
or commercial applications, and safety features included in today’s vehicle designs
The “Built Infrastructure” group focused on electric vehicle support equipment (EVSE) and
facilities not on the vehicles but essential to the success of the overall electric vehicle program.
The anticipated common scenario of an electric vehicle being recharged at a residence was
mentioned multiple times and symbolizes the types of applications addressed during this part
of the program. Examples of this type of supporting equipment and facilities include charging
stations, electrical infrastructure support, battery storage, maintenance facilities, parts supply,
etc. Issues raised during the presentations and subsequent discussion included clarification of
specific sections of the National Electrical Code and other applicable codes and standards,
indoor and outdoor charging stations, permitting and inspection, installation of charging
infrastructure by electricians, use of listed equipment, role of the electrical utilities, and on-
going maintenance.
The “Emergency Responder” group addressed the interests and concerns specific to the
emergency response community, both for operational emergency first responders dealing with
an emergency scene, as well as the enforcement infrastructure that is critical to the ultimate
advancement of this technology. The concerns of the emergency response community extend
well beyond the activities of handling a roadway vehicle related emergencies, and include other
issues such as a fire within a building while a vehicle is charging, fire protection for vehicle
The final “Other” group included perspectives considered important for the overall issue but
which didn’t easily fit into the other three groups. This included the perspective of a user who
is responsible for large electric vehicle fleet purchases and maintenance, an insurance
perspective addressing built infrastructure fire protection concerns such as battery storage, and
a new technology perspective that focuses on the advantages of telematics.
Each of these “other” presentations and the associated group discussion provided a useful
supplement to the preceding group presentations. Specific examples included how large
government electric vehicle fleet operators will likely assist in identifying implementation
challenges, the need to properly address issues of batteries not in vehicles requires attention,
and how new identification and reporting technology is becoming a valuable tool for
emergency first responders.
The presentations in Day One provided helpful background information in each of the
aforementioned areas. Each group session was followed by its own questions and answers
involving all Summit attendees and providing additional clarification of the key concerns and
topics of interest. A summary of the points raised was circulated to the Day Two Working
Groups, and they provided additional clarification of their understanding of the issues discussed
on Day One. Table 4 summarizes the key points addressed during Summit Day One, and is
based on the chronological order the issues were mentioned and is not a prioritized list of the
issues (with items numbered for the purpose of subsequent reference).
E) Session Four: Other Issues and Concerns (Presentations and Q&A Discussion)
1) Fleet vehicle operations will exemplify the implementation challenges we will all ultimately face
as electric vehicles proliferate.
2) Insurance concerns include beyond the vehicle to the support infrastructure (e.g. battery
storage, etc)
3) Telematics offers real-time information for emergency responders to allow for immediate size-
up of vehicle emergency events.
Each Workgroup that met on Day Two was assigned a set of similarly structured questions.
These questions were intended to allow consistency between the independent discussions, and
utilized the following three basic categories: current practice; future trends; and other issues.
In addition, each of the three Workgroup had its own baseline theme. This assigned baseline
theme was intended to be the priority subject for a particular group, and their priority to be
addressed first. However, they were not excluded from addressing the other themes as time
permitted. The themes assigned to the Workgroup were: Workgroup One- Vehicles;
Workgroup Two - Built Infrastructure; and Workgroup Three - Emergency Responders.
At the end of Day Two, a final plenary session reported the results of each Workgroup's
discussions to the full assembly, and allowed a single final plenary discussion. Following the
Summit and this plenary discussion, the results from each of the Working Groups were
consolidated into a single summary. Table 5 summarizes the consolidated Workgroup response
to the structured questions
b. What are the perceived disparities in technical coverage for existing safety standards (e.g.
extrication with vehicles using high strength alloys, charging station hazards, etc)?
General
• Collaborative Education – Better dissemination and education is needed, through
collaboration, based on existing standards information.
• Different Enforcement Models – Maintain awareness of the disparity in
enforcement models for different standards arenas (i.e. vehicles vs. built
c. Are there existing standards on this topic that are not being fully utilized or implemented
(e.g. outside North America, etc)?
General
• Applicable Military Standards – Consider DOD standards that are applicable for
vehicles, built infrastructure, and emergency responders.
Vehicles
• Domestic vs. International– There are some ISO and IEC, as well as CEN and
CENNELEC standards related to electric vehicles. We are not sure which ones may
be applicable. There may be some harmonization potentials.
Built Infrastructure
2) Future Trends
a. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future hazards
(e.g. batteries, charging stations, vehicle shut-downs, high strength alloys, component bulk
storage, etc)?
General
• Component Global Supply – Global supply base of batteries and components to
maintain safety, quality and reliability
Vehicles
• Battery Swapping – Battery swapping / warehousing posing increased risk (e.g.
BetterPlace.com, leasing arrangements)
• Vehicle Components and Alternative Fuels –Consider the use of components that
introduce unusual hazards such as ultra capacitors, and electric vehicles that also
use alternative fuels such as hydrogen fuel cells.
Built Infrastructure
• Power Quality – Consider issues such as harmonics and other power quality issues.
• DC Fast Charging – For Level 3+ type charging arrangements, consider the impact of
installations on the vehicle and on the house, e.g. heating, ventilation,
compatibility/standardization between chargers and vehicles, etc. Also consider
inductive charging methods.
• Large Scale Disasters – Special considerations are needed for handling certain
details following large scale, natural or man-made disasters (e.g. reinstatement
prioritization following mass power outage).
• Battery Farms – Address the concerns involving battery farms, such as those using
second life vehicle components, on both small residential scale and large
commercial scale.
Emergency Responders
• Battery Storage – Need to consider exposure fires, as well as electrical hazards due
to exposure from or in water.
• Composites and Materials –Consider composites and materials being used in
electric vehicles that introduce new challenges to emergency responders, such as
high strength metal alloys to reduce vehicle weight but are resistant to conventional
cutting and extrication tools.
• Charging Station Emergencies – Address emergency events involving EVs while
charging.
b. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future
enhancements to safety (e.g. vehicle telematics, emergency responder training, etc)?
c. What new standards are needed to address this topic in 5 years? 10 years (e.g. emergency
responder data information exchange, etc)?
General
• Non-Vehicle Applications – Consider expansion beyond road vehicles to aviation
and marine industries.
Vehicles
• Non-Passenger Vehicle Applications – Consideration of issues applicable to
motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and neighborhood EVs
• Vehicle Service Providers – Address the qualification of mechanics, as well as
methods for investigation and other concerns for vehicle insurers.
• Non-Battery Based Electric Vehicles – Consider electric vehicles that are not based
on storage batteries as their primary source of power, such as hydrogen fuel cell
vehicles.
• On-going Maintenance –Clarify requirements for the on-going maintenance of
electric vehicles.
Built Infrastructure
• Battery Technology – Address battery safety issues based on the wide range of
battery types, configurations, geometries, chemistries, etc…
• Electrical Grid– Consider impact of widespread implementation of electric vehicles,
i.e. impact on transformers, overall grid capacity, changing load patterns, system
demand, equipment life span, etc
• On-going Maintenance –Clarify requirements for the on-going maintenance of
electric vehicle charging stations, including how vulnerable features will be
inspected and replaced such as connectors.
d. What new research is needed to support existing and new standards (e.g. research
supporting new fire test methods, etc)?
General
• Loss and Failure Analysis – Provide case studies of crash reports and similar
emergency events, with statistical summaries and detailed case study analysis.
Vehicles
• Battery Technology – Address the various hazard concerns with vehicle batteries,
both on-board the vehicles and while during manufacture and bulk storage of
batteries. Consider the development of requirements for fire protection Maximum
allowable Quantities.
Built Infrastructure
• Electrical Grid – Address interconnectivity in accordance with the NEC and other
applicable codes and standards. Consider the impact of smart grid on present and
future electrical supply, and its relationship to electric vehicles.
Emergency Responders
• Battery Technology – Develop consistent and credible recommendations for manual
fire protection techniques for handling emergencies involving batteries, including
fires, submersion, etc. Also develop recommendations for built-in fire protection
measures for bulk storage and similar battery applications.
e. What constituent groups and/or organizations need to be involved (e.g. tow operators, fire
investigators, etc)?
General
• Interested Constituent Groups – Include organizations that are not obviously
represented in other groups, such as consumer representatives, AAA, insurance
representatives such as IIHS, aftermarket installers, etc…
Vehicles
• Manufacturers – Include all automaker and battery manufacturers.
• Vehicle Maintainers – Include maintenance workforce and their methods for
credentialing with the equipment, e.g. service technicians. Include service station
operators.
Built Infrastructure
• Manufacturers – Include all manufacturers of equipment in the built infrastructure
supporting electric vehicles, such as charging stations.
3) Other Issues
a. Other than standards, what other methods, programs and mechanisms should be
considered to promote electric vehicle safety?
General
• Proactive Approaches – Provide proactive approaches to instituting needed
standards, codes and regulations.
Vehicles
• Data Collection – Establish robust data collection protocols, including data recorder
methods, telematics, accident reports for multiple uses and venues. Address
proprietary and privacy considerations as needed.
• Consumer Training –Provide consumer training for fueling/charging that covers the
spectrum of fueling/charging options. Develop training and education information
for use in driver’s education programs.
Built Infrastructure
• Metering Installation Issues – Consider special rates and incentives offered by
utilities, e.g. installation of separate and/or dedicated service (meter)
• Financial Incentives – Evaluate approaches for promoting the EV support
infrastructure, e.g. road use taxes for electric vehicles.
• Power Distribution Issues –Provide information for consumers and the public on
how problems with electrical power distribution, such as blackouts and brownouts,
will be handled as electric vehicles proliferate (off-peak hour charging
requirements).
Emergency Responders
• Facilitate Permitting and Inspection Process – Promote dialogue, training and
education with inspectors and enforcers, engage key constituents including IAEI
(International Association of Electrical Inspectors), NRTLs (Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratories), state/local licensing boards, permitting representatives, etc.
b. What is the recommended action plan to address the perceived disparities in technical
coverage?
General
c. What is the single most important message that needs to be expressed by the safety
infrastructure on this topic?
• Collaboration to Support Training and Education – Training, information, and
awareness are essential. Support the development of education and training on all
levels, though on-going dialogue, networking and collaboration.
• Shutdown Methods for Emergency Responders – Provide standardized approaches
for emergency responders to shutdown power, on vehicles and for charging
stations. Promote single point, easy to access, universal shut down procedures for
on-board vehicle shutdown. Promote similar shutdown approach for de-energizing
charging stations from the built infrastructure. Provide methods for confirming safe
shutdown. Consider all scenarios requiring shutdown.
This report assembles all the pertinent documentation for the U.S. National Electric Vehicle
Safety Standards Summit held in Detroit Michigan on 21-22 October 2010. A key part of the
documentation is the synthesis of information gathered during the primary modes of input
during the event, i.e., the Day One presentations and associated plenary discussions, and the
Day Two Working Groups and associated plenary discussions.
The Summit provided an important venue for the gathering of key individuals, organizations
and agencies that, working together, can develop a shared implementation plan to ensure fire
and electrical safety standards that impact electric vehicles will not serve as a barrier to their
deployment. An overall and significant positive result of the Summit, and worthy of special
emphasis, is the networking component. Valuable dialogue has been established between
important constituent groups on certain critical issues, and additional dialogue is anticipated
across these networking bridges and established points of contact.
A stated purpose of the Summit has been to develop the base elements for an action plan for
the safe implementation of electric vehicles, using safety standards as the primary mechanism
for this action plan. Specific details that were sought while working toward this action plan
include the following:
• Identify the relevant fire and electrical safety codes, standards and specifications which
address the safety hazards associated with the widespread implementation of electric
vehicles.
• Identify gaps in these codes, standards and specifications (changes/enhancements
and/or new standards).
• Identify related gaps in research, training, or communications which stem from OEM
safety manual development and deployment.
• Develop the base elements for an action plan for necessary standards development and
associated deployment activities to fill these gaps.
These summary observations are the critical piece of the overall summit documentation that
addresses the action plan. The information provided in this section has been distilled from the
information collected throughout the Summit and preliminarily addressed in other portions of
this report. From the beginning it has not been the intent to engage in tasks such as the
development of an exhaustive list of relevant codes and standards, but rather to collectively
bring to the surface the topics involving one or more constituent groups that need attention.
This is especially important considering the on-going proliferation of electric vehicle technology,
and the sensitivity to timeliness to ensure that existing (and lack-of) needed safety standards
will not serve as a barrier to the deployment of electric vehicles.
The information at the Summit processed from the Working Groups is particularly important for
determining next steps and future direction of an action plan. These summary observations
A detailed review of the topics discussed throughout the overall Summit highlights the issues
most often mentioned by the participants, and which appear to have the highest level of
interest for further attention. The information gathered has revealed the key areas where
further focused attention is warranted. This is conveniently summarized in Figure 2, Key Areas
Indicated by the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit.
Figure 2: Key Areas Indicated by the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit
Table 6 provides a detailed summary of these specific key issues addressed by the Summit
Working Groups. These are numbered in Table 6 for sake of reference and are not shown in
any particular order of priority. The information in Table 6 is a further distillation of the
synthesized information provided in section 4 of this report (see Table 5), which has been
compiled based on the raw Workgroup results included in their entirety in Annex B.
Certain aspects of the Workgroup discussions highlighted multiple points of interest relating to
the scoping of the electric vehicle concept. For example, it was pointed out that we need to
consider future expansion beyond road-based electric vehicles to aviation, rail, and marine
applications. Other interested stakeholders need to be considered such as emergency
responders who are not necessarily involved with the initial emergency response (e.g.
dispatchers, tow operators, investigators, insurers, electric utilities, etc), as well as consumer
representatives, aftermarket installers, etc…
Various processing-related issues were also addressed by the Summit Workgroups, such as
clearly defining the standards/regulatory landscape on an on-going basis. Mention was made
of the need to facilitate research to resolve questions and concerns that exist as possible
barriers to the implementation of safe electric vehicle technology. Despite the focus of the
Summit on issues in the United States (as implied by the Summit’s title), certain international
regulatory concerns were still addressed such as compatibility of all interacting components
(e.g. connectors) and the need to not exclude visiting vehicles crossing the borders of countries
(e.g. for the United States involving Canada and Mexico).
The primary deliverable from the Summit, and for this report to capture, is to develop the base
elements for an action plan for necessary standards development and associated deployment
activities to address identified gaps. All the information collected throughout the Summit and
documented herein allows us to have a unique perspective for consideration of these base
elements.
The further refinement offered in these summary observations recognizes the need for an
action plan and the common goal of all the attendees to ensure fire and electrical safety
standards that impact electric vehicles will not serve as a barrier to their deployment. Based on
a review and synthesis of all the information considered throughout the Summit, further
distilled through the discussion from both days of the Summit, and reflected in this report as
the progressively refined information in Annex B, Table 5 and Table 6, several critical topic
areas emerge that have strong substantiation for further attention. These critical topic areas
are summarized in Figure 3, Topics Identified for Action Plan Consideration as a Result of the
U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit, and are:
1) vehicle charging infrastructure;
2) battery hazards identification and protection; and
3) training for emergency responders and enforcement officials.
With these topic areas as a backdrop, additional consideration for an action plan should
likewise address the significant positive networking component that has established valuable
dialogue between important constituent groups on certain critical issues. This translates to
continuing the facilitation of this dialogue on all levels as an important action item resulting
from the Summit. Further to this point of maintaining constructive dialogue going forward,
planning should be considered immediately for a similar follow-up Summit in the near future,
such as next year.
The following is a summary of the attendees at the “U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety
Standards Summit”, held in Detroit, Michigan on 21-22 October 2010.
Table A-1: Attendees at the U.S. National Electric Vehicle Safety Standards Summit
Last Name First Name Organization
Almand Kathleen FPRF
Alsip Robert American Suzuki Motor Corp
Baker George OnStarLLC
Bhatia Joe American National Standards Institute
Blake Cal
Bloom Michael US General Services Administration
Bohn Theodore Argonne National Laboratory
Boyce Ken Underwriters Laboratories Inc
Brierton Michael Momentive Performance Materials
Brown Stephen Canadian Standards Association
Brunson Judy Mercedes-Benz R&D NA Inc
Burke George Madison Area Technical College
Burke William NFPA
Byczek Rich Intertek
Cammisa Michael Association of Intl Auto Manufacturers
Carroll James Connecticut Fire Academy
Casey Colin Navistar
Clancy Edward Mitsubishi Motors R&D of America Inc
Coffee Jeffrey Remy Inc
Cooper Dave Southwire Company
Cregar Rich Wake Technical Community College
Cunningham Andrew Volkswagen Group of America Inc
Cunningham John Nova Scotia Firefighter’s School
Davis Eric Detroit Fire Department, Fire Marshal Division
Dawson Matt Magna Electronics
Dombrowski Lee BASF
Dubay Chris NFPA
Earley Mark NFPA
Emery Jason Waterbury FD (Emergency Training Solutions)
Farr Ronald Michigan Bureau Of Fire Services
Fee Patrick US General Services Administration
Fietzek Cliff BMW
Florence Laurie Underwriters Laboratories Inc
Frank Randy Randy Frank & Associates Ltd.
Frank John XL Global Asset Protection Serv. LLP
Each of the three Workgroup that met on Day Two had its own baseline theme. This assigned
baseline theme was intended to be the priority subject for a particular group, and their priority
to be addressed first. However, they were not excluded from addressing the other themes as
time permitted. The themes assigned to Workgroup were:
• Workgroup One: Vehicles
• Workgroup Two: Built Infrastructure
• Workgroup Three: Emergency Responders
The structured questions addressed on Day Two of the Summit were separated into the
following three basic categories: current practice; future trends; and other issues. Tables B-1
through B-3 provide an individual summary of the responses from each Workgroup to the
structured questions
b. What are the perceived disparities in technical coverage for existing safety standards (e.g.
extrication with vehicles using high strength alloys, charging station hazards, etc)?
• Better dissemination and education, through collaboration, of existing standards
information
• After market vehicles and related components
• Disparity in enforcement models for different standards arenas (i.e. vehicles vs. built
infrastructure vs. first responders)
c. Are there existing standards on this topic that are not being fully utilized or implemented
(e.g. outside North America, etc)?
2) Future Trends
a. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future hazards
(e.g. batteries, charging stations, vehicle shut-downs, high strength alloys, component bulk
storage, etc)?
• Global supply base of batteries and components to maintain safety, quality and
reliability
• Battery swapping / warehousing posing increased risk (e.g. BetterPlace.com, leasing
arrangements)
• Special considerations in large scale, natural disasters (e.g. mass power outage and
reinstatement prioritization)
• Battery farms including second life vehicle components, small residential scale and
large scale
• Emergency events involving EVs while charging
b. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future
enhancements to safety (e.g. vehicle telematics, emergency responder training, etc)?
• Placarding of bulk transport of vehicle components, including the packing / labeling
of individual components in the transport system
• Handling / processing of damaged / retired batteries
• Cradle to grave product stewardship
c. What new standards are needed to address this topic in 5 years? 10 years (e.g. emergency
responder data information exchange, etc)?
• Consideration of issues applicable to motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and
neighborhood EVs
• Expansion beyond road vehicles to aviation and marine industries
• Hydrogen fuel cell codes and standards
• Inductive charging while driving or stationary (e.g. biological effects)
• Built in fire protection measures for charging locations
• Standardizing protocols and data elements for telematics
d. What new research is needed to support existing and new standards (e.g. research
supporting new fire test methods, etc)?
• Fire protection measures for vehicle component storage i.e. batteries
e. What constituent groups and/or organizations need to be involved (e.g. tow operators, fire
investigators, etc)?
• Inclusion of all model building code groups e.g. International Code Council
3) Other Issues
a. Other than standards, what other methods, programs and mechanisms should be
considered to promote electric vehicle safety?
• Proactive approaches to instituting needed standards, codes and regulations
b. What is the recommended action plan to address the perceived disparities in technical
coverage?
• Better dissemination and education, through collaboration, of existing standards
information
o Defining the standards / regulatory landscape, e.g., development of ANSI
portal on relevant standards for EVs in relation to smart grid interoperability
panel
o Sharing of credible and accurate information regarding technical suitability
• Disparity in enforcement models for different standards arenas (i.e. vehicles vs. built
infrastructure vs. first responders)
o Use of authorized / endorsed components for after market vehicles (e.g.
similar to listed components in built infrastructure) and built infrastructure
with focus on key applicable safety concerns
o Utilizing state and other jurisdictional based enforcement mechanisms
Transfer of ownership title as an inspection checkpoint
c. What is the single most important message that needs to be expressed by the safety
infrastructure on this topic?
• Development of education and training in both directions, based on dialogue,
networking and collaboration that continues from this summit.
b. What are the perceived disparities in technical coverage for existing safety standards (e.g.
extrication with vehicles using high strength alloys, charging station hazards, etc)?
• Charger Installation Standards – Need to address details such as leakage of current,
tolerances, etc
• Circuit Installation – Verify the load current for chargers, which is mentioned for
Level 1 as being 16 amps maximum. This may need a dedicated circuit because it is
a continuous load. In addition, other loads on the same circuit may exceed the
circuit capacity. This circuit may also require GFCI protection.
c. Are there existing standards on this topic that are not being fully utilized or implemented
(e.g. outside North America, etc)?
• Installation - DC Fast Charging raises questions about interaction of certain
standards, e.g. JARI connector with UL 2202
• Impact on Grid – Further attention is needed to clarify the sharing of capacity within
a neighborhood, i.e. transformers,
• Grid Connection - IEEE working group on Smart Grid, e.g. P2030, dealing with
enabling, interconnectivity, etc… EPRI, IWC group along with OEMs and utilities are
involved with this effort.
2) Future Issues
a. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future hazards
(e.g. batteries, charging stations, vehicle shut-downs, high strength alloys, component bulk
storage, etc)?
• Power Quality Issues Harmonics and other power quality issues need to be
explored.
• Battery Storage – Need to consider exposure fires, as well as electrical hazards due
to exposure from or in water.
• DC Fast Charging – Consider the impact of installations on the vehicle and and on
the house, e.g. heating, ventilation, compatibility/standardization between chargers
and vehicles, etc
• Battery Swapping – Evaluate to determine if this is the way of choice
b. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future
enhancements to safety (e.g. vehicle telematics, emergency responder training, etc)?
• Emergency Events - Consider built in shut downs features that are already appearing
in batteries
c. What new standards are needed to address this topic in 5 years? 10 years (e.g. emergency
responder data information exchange, etc)?
• Vehicle – qualification of mechanics; methods for investigation and other concerns
for vehicle insurers
• Telematics – standardization of data elements
• Battery Storage – Clarify requirements via research for bulk battery storage,
including guidance on the hazard classification, type of built-in fire protection
measures required, etc
• Battery Manufacturing – Provide research to address hazards and other concerns,
similar to need to address storage issues
• Connector Standardization – Address in a timely fashion
• Future Grid Issues – Consider impact of widespread implementation of electric
vehicles, i.e. impact on transformers, overall grid capacity, changing load patterns,
system demand, equipment life span, etc
d. What new research is needed to support existing and new standards (e.g. research
supporting new fire test methods, etc)?
• Smart Grid – Addressing interconnectivity in accordance with the NEC
e. What constituent groups and/or organizations need to be involved (e.g. tow operators, fire
investigators, etc)?
• Maintenance workforce credentialing for equipment, e.g. service technicians
• Construction worker training on charging stations
• Training for electrical inspectors
3) Other Issues
a. Other than standards, what other methods, programs and mechanisms should be
considered to promote electric vehicle safety?
• Metering Installation Issues – Consider special rates and incentives offered by
utilities, e.g. installation of separate and/or dedicated service (meter)
• Financial Incentives – Evaluate approaches for promoting the EV support
infrastructure, e.g. road use taxes for electric vehicles
• Facilitate Permitting Process – Promote dialogue, training and education with
inspectors and enforcers, engage key constituents including IAEI (International
Association of Electrical Inspectors), NRTLs (Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratories), state/local licensing boards, permitting representatives, etc
b. What is the recommended action plan to address the perceived disparities in technical
coverage?
• NEC Task group on EVs – Identify key issues in the NEC and facilitate addressing
them as soon as possible, e.g. clarifying Level 2 charging needs, providing guidance
on wiring quality for Level 2 charging stations, etc
• NECA Standards – Facilitate written installation guide for contractors addressing EVs
• Batteries – Identify current gaps in battery test standards to address other concerns
such as bulk transport. Inform fire departments of bulk storage or processing of
c. What is the single most important message that needs to be expressed by the safety
infrastructure on this topic?
• Shutdown Methods for Emergency Responders – Provide standardized approaches
for emergency responders to shutdown power, on vehicles and for charging
stations. Promote single point, easy to access, universal shut down procedures for
on-board vehicle shutdown. Promote similar shutdown approach for de-energizing
charging stations from the built infrastructure. Provide methods for confirming safe
shutdown. Consider all scenarios requiring shutdown, e.g. crash involving a parked
EV being charged. Consider breakaway connections for charging, e.g. UL 2251.
b. What are the perceived disparities in technical coverage for existing safety standards
c. Are there existing standards on this topic that are not being fully utilized or
implemented (e.g. outside North America, etc)?
• There are some ISO and IEC, as well as CEN and CENNELEC standards related to
electric vehicles. We are not sure which ones may be applicable. There may be some
harmonization potentials.
2) Future Trends
a. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future
hazards (e.g. batteries, charging stations, vehicle shut-downs, high strength alloys,
component bulk storage, etc)?
• Use of ultra capacitors.
• Use of fuels such as hydrogen.
• Level 3+ charging. (heat, humidity, electric shock, arc flash, etc.)
• Inductive charging.
• Battery reuse.
• Level 3 chargers in residential garages.
• The 12 volt battery may no longer be necessary in the future.
• Composites and metals
• Battery technology and chemistry.
• Smaller, more compact cars, which could result in smaller cut zones, more
integration of electronics, extrication problems, etc.
• It may not be possible to cut through the floor.
• Bigger batteries, longer range, higher voltage.
• Hybrid technologies using alternative fuels.
b. Based on current technological trends, what are the prioritized anticipated future
enhancements to safety (e.g. vehicle telematics, emergency responder training, etc)?
• More integration of telematics with emergency response. More training on how to
use the data received from telematics.
• More capability needed for communications center to push telematics data to
responders. Centralized location for data for ERGs.
• More standardized training.
• Better education from top to bottom for first responders and manufacturers.
• Collaboration and feedback between fire service and industry.
• Availability of new cars for training.
• Availability of centralized training course.
c. What new standards are needed to address this topic in 5 years? 10 years (e.g.
emergency responder data information exchange, etc)?
d. What new research is needed to support existing and new standards (e.g. research
supporting new fire test methods, etc)?
• The manufacture and storage of batteries (fire protection MAQs)
• Case studies of accident reports with detailed analysis.
e. What constituent groups and/or organizations need to be involved (e.g. tow operators,
fire investigators, etc)?
• Tow operators, including dispatchers.
• AAA
• EV industry
• After-market installers (Best Buy, etc)
• EMS organization
• Fire service
• IIHS
• Service station operators
• Repair facilities
• OSHA
• Electric utilities
• Electrical contractors
• Electrical inspectors and building officials
• All trainers
• Consumer
3) Other Issues
a. Other than standards, what other methods, programs and mechanisms should be
considered to promote electric vehicle safety?
• Some testing mechanism be developed to ensure that vehicle is safe.
• Consumer training for fueling/charging for the spectrum of fueling/charging options.
• Driver’s education program training.
• Blackout/brownout problems.
b. What is the recommended action plan to address the perceived disparities in technical
coverage?
• Collaboration and feedback (industry/fire service)
• Research
• Training
c. What is the single most important message that needs to be expressed by the safety
infrastructure on this topic?
• Training, information, and awareness are essential.
The following speakers made presentation during Day One of the Summit:
Keynote Presentation
• “Driving the Safe and Effective Implementation of Electric Vehicles: Standards and
Conformance-Based Solutions”; Joe Bhatia, President and CEO, ANSI
Session One: Vehicles
• “Battery and Labeling Standards”; Bob Galyen, Magna e-car
• “Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Safety Standards”; Galen Ressler, General Motors LLC
• “Vehicle Standards Update: Hybrid Safety”; Ted Bohn, Argonne National Laboratory
• “NHTSA Safety Research Plan for RESS Equipped Vehicles”; Phillip Gorney, NHTSA
Session Two: Built Infrastructure
• “Current State of Codes and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure”; Mike Hittel, General Motors LLC
• “Standardization of Charging Support Equipment”; Kenneth Boyce, Underwriters Laboratories
Session Three: Emergency Responders
• “Fire Fighting, Rescue, and Incident Command”; Jeff Johnson, CEO of Western Fire Chiefs
Association and IAFC Past President
• “Vehicle Fire and Technical Rescue”; Jeff Minter and George Burke, Madison Area Technical
College, Wisconsin
• “The Enforcement Infrastructure: In Support of Electric Vehicles and Similar Alternative Energy
Transportation”; Ron Farr, State Fire Marshal, Michigan
Session Four: Others
• “Owner/Operator Infrastructure Issues for Fleet Vehicles”; Patrick Fee, General Services
Administration
• “Property Insurance Loss Prevention Concerns”; John Frank, XL Gaps
• “9-1-1 Connectivity: Electric Vehicle Rescues”; Cathy McCormick, OnStar
All except two of the Day One speakers (Bhatia and Johnson) used PowerPoint presentations,
and those that have been made available for this report are included in this Annex on the
following pages.