The General Motors (GM)-made car, the Chevy Volt, was launched in June 2008 with the intention of surpassing sales of the Toyota Prius as an energy efficient vehicle. Now, there is a problem. An investigation is underway by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into fires that have occurred in lithium-ion batteries following crash tests. The San Francisco Chronicle reports GM is hurrying up the defective auto part investigation so as not to taint the promises of the Volt.
Electric cars are increasingly predicted to be the answer for lessening our dependence on the gasoline-powered engine. The Volt travels about 40 miles on its battery before the gas engine kicks in, which then powers the battery. Combine the gasoline and electric power sources and the Volt can travel about 379 miles and get about 60 miles per gallon.
However, the dangers of the lithium-ion battery have the potential to eclipse all gas-guzzling concerns since the battery is commonly used in all electric cars. Volt fires have erupted after three lab tests and none have occurred on the road.
The NHTSA and GM will try and determine if there was something specific to the lab crash tests that may have led to the defective battery.
Defective Product
A manufacturer is required to sell safe and effective products and can be named in a product liability action along with the distributor, the designer, and/or the marketer if a product harms a consumer. If you suspect that your injury resulted from a defective product, Farah & Farah’s product liability attorneys in Florida would like to speak with you in a complimentary consultation. Call us at (800) 533-3555.
Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/11/29/bloomberg_articlesLVFVPJ6S9728.DTL
