Federal safety regulators said today they opened a formal investigation into whether safety in Chevrolet Volt battery plug-in extended-range electric car caught fire after the crash. The Probe could have broad implications for all electric cars and the device is powered by a battery.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was taking action after the crash tests the Volt, a car that can be installed to run about 25 km or so on advanced lithium-ion battery before gas engines took over.
General Motors later issued a statement saying, “move to take the formal step, procedure was not unexpected as GM has been working closely and in conjunction with NHTSA during the last six months as part of a wider program designed to cause the failure of the battery after an extreme situation.” It also confirms that the Volt is safe and have no reports of fire from customers.