U.S. regulators are reviewing whether heavy-duty electric trucks present different safety risks when transporting hazardous materials, reopening long-standing technical debates as battery-powered freight vehicles begin limited commercial use, industry publication Freight Waves reported.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has launched a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the safety of using heavy-duty electric trucks in hazardous materials transport. The agency is asking stakeholders to compare electric and diesel vehicles across a range of technical and operational criteria.
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While framed as an information-gathering exercise, the RFI revisits issues that have already been addressed through existing standards, pilot programmes and emergency responder training as electric trucks move into early deployment, Freight Waves said. “By identifying new technical hazards, the agency could provide a safety-based justification for a permanent retreat from electric heavy-duty fleets in the hazmat sector,” the outlet wrote.
PHMSA is seeking data on battery thermal runaway, including how the heat intensity and duration of battery fires compare with diesel-related incidents. Vehicle mass is also under scrutiny, with the agency questioning whether the additional weight of electric drivetrains could affect braking performance, vehicle stability or cargo safety.
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The inquiry further examines electromagnetic interference, asking whether high-voltage electric systems could pose risks to sensitive hazardous materials. Charging operations are another focus, including potential hazards associated with charging trucks carrying hazardous cargo at public stations and the proximity of high-power connectors to load areas.
Emergency response procedures are also under review, particularly for incidents involving electric trucks in confined spaces such as tunnels, depots or warehouses.
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PHMSA has not proposed any new regulations but said the information collected could inform future regulatory decisions as electric heavy-duty vehicles expand into specialised freight applications.
