Require New Electric Vehicles to Have Battery Fire Safety Technology
Official: HB6948 — 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.
Reading: The bill requires new electric and hybrid vehicles to be equipped with battery fire extinguishment technology, establishing a new federal safety standard that supports EV adoption by addressing a barrier to widespread electric vehicle deployment.
It's sponsored by lawmakers from both parties who want to make electric vehicles safer for everyone who drives or lives near them.
In clear language
This federal bill would require all new electric and hybrid vehicles sold in the U.S. to have built-in technology that can quickly put out battery fires. The bill addresses safety concerns about electric vehicle fires and was introduced in Congress in January 2026. It's sponsored by lawmakers from both parties who want to make electric vehicles safer for everyone who drives or lives near them.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- People who buy new electric or hybrid vehicles
- Emergency responders and firefighters who deal with vehicle fires
- Car manufacturers who would need to add this safety technology
- Communities near roads and highways where electric vehicles travel
What can you do?
- Contact your U.S. Representative to express support for vehicle safety standards
- If you own an electric vehicle, ask your dealer about existing fire safety features and maintenance
Timeline
- 2026-01-06: Bill introduced in House
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- CongressAug 3, 2026Federal Tax Credits for Electric Vehicles
This is a federal bill that would extend and improve tax credits that help people buy electric vehicles. The credits make EVs more affordable by reducing the upfront cost through tax deductions. The bill aims to make clean transportation accessible to more Americans.
- CongressMay 12, 2026Federal Rule on Electric Vehicles and Foreign Supply Chain Security
This federal bill would add electric vehicles and related equipment made by foreign entities considered security risks to a list of non-complying vehicles that may face restrictions or requirements. The goal is to protect U.S. electric vehicle supply chains from foreign control. The bill was introduced in Congress in May 2026 and is under review by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
- CongressMar 5, 2025Federal Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program
This federal bill would create a new grant program to help pay for wireless electric vehicle charging technology that charges cars without needing to plug them in. The Secretary of Transportation would oversee the program and distribute grants to support this emerging charging infrastructure. This is a federal bill, but it could affect New Jersey residents and communities interested in electric vehicle adoption.
- NJ LegislatureSep 28, 2026Tax credits for buying and installing electric vehicle charging stations
New Jersey proposes to give tax breaks to businesses and individuals who purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations. These credits would reduce the amount of taxes owed by companies (through corporate tax credits) and by residents (through income tax credits). The goal is to make it cheaper and more attractive for people to set up EV charging infrastructure.