This bill requires all new electric and hybrid vehicles sold in the United States to have built-in safety technology to prevent and control battery fires. Specifically, manufacturers must equip vehicles with technology that allows firefighters quick access to batteries to put out fires, systems that prevent thermal runaway (when a battery cell overheats and triggers a chain reaction), protective barriers to keep fires from entering the passenger cabin long enough for people to escape, and standardized battery locations so first responders know where to find them. The bill also requires mechanical door releases that work even if the vehicle's electrical system fails, ensuring people can exit the vehicle in an emergency. The Secretary of Transportation has two years from the bill's enactment to write the detailed safety standards, and manufacturers will have two years after that to comply. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must study how battery fires affect firefighters' health and recommend ways to better protect first responders.

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.