After years of promoting the development of electric cars, the federal government now finds itself in the position of investigating a key safety risk. Batteries in the Chevy Volt caught fire in three recent crash tests, prompting the NHTSA to investigate.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203935604577064663206681538.html
But don’t worry. Both the NHTSA and GM stress that everything is OK. Instead of just focusing on the Volt, the NHTSA is also asking all electric car producers for information on steps recommended to ensure safety after a crash. The inference is that any problems are both minor and linked to the technology, not GM.
I’m not suggesting that the batteries are problematic; I don’t know. But it’s interesting to note that GM is not getting the Toyota treatment here. Ray LaHood hasn’t advised Volt owners to stay off the roads. Neither LaHood nor Congressional Democrats are demanding hearings. Nobody is accusing GM of scoffing at safety in an effort to produce a cheap car.
The reason that the NHTSA and GM are merely going through the motions is simple. Neither can afford to cross the other. With huge government stakes in GM and the “green” economy—not to mention the UAW’s ownership position—Washington can’t afford to damage GM. In need of tax credits, electric car purchase write-offs and other taxpayer giveaways, GM can’t afford to challenge Washington’s authority. In the end, investigators must be seen as thorough and GM must be seen as responsive. Both sides will work together to ensure this outcome.
The charade we are witnessing now is just another outgrowth of crony capitalism.
Don’t expect Uncle Ray to come down hard on GM
more evidence that the bailout was a disaster