WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently hosted a technical workshop to discuss regulatory and safety considerations for electric vehicles.

“We’re committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety on our roadways — whether drivers choose to operate vehicles powered by gasoline, electric batteries, or some future technology that has yet to be unveiled,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “That’s why we’re bringing together experts on battery technology, representatives of the auto industry, and the appropriate leaders from the regulatory and emergency response communities for a robust dialogue on safety.”

Earlier this year, with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and others, NHTSA issued interim guidance for consumers, emergency responders, and tow truck operators to increase awareness about the specific attributes related to electric vehicles and to identify appropriate safety measures to be used in the event of a crash involving an electric vehicle.

The meeting includes the participation of representatives from the DOE, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute, the National Fire Protection Association, the University of Michigan, battery manufacturer LG Chem Power, and electric vehicle manufacturers BMW, Tesla, General Motors, Nissan, Ford, and Navistar.

Click here for more information on the agency’s interim guidance on electric vehicles.