by Guy Page
An electric car owned by Rep. Tim Briglin (D- Thetford) caught fire while charging and parked in his driveway. Police say the fire was caused by electrical failure.
Briglin, chair of the House Energy & Technology Committee, was the lead sponsor of Act 153, the 2019 law requiring Vermont to reduce carbon emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. He also has supported bills subsidizing electric cars and charging stations.
The vehicle was destroyed in the fire. No injuries were reported.
According to police, the Thetford Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire at 495 Tucker Hill Road on July 1. Once the fire was extinguished, the fire chief contacted the VT Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit (FEIU) for assistance in the examination of the vehicle. The vehicle was transported to Key Chevrolet in White River Jct. where the examination took place.
The origin and cause examination revealed that the 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV was parked in the owner’s driveway and was plugged in and charging when the fire was discovered. The origin of the fire was within the passenger compartment in the area of the back seat. The cause of the fire appears to be an undetermined electrical system failure.
According to The Car Guide website, almost 50,000 Chevy EV Bolts will be subject to recall due to the danger of electrical fire. GM says the high-voltage battery can overheat when it is charged to over 90 percent of its capacity,” The Car Guide said. “Heat or smoke could damage or even melt the battery and nearby parts.”