The continuing wildfires in Los Angeles have put electric vehicles to a realworld test. The challenges include everything from power outages to traffic jams and fast-moving evacuation orders.
The location of the fires is notable because California is home to more than one-third of all EVs registered in the U.S. Some of those battery-powered cars have been destroyed in the blazes, creating unique obstacles for cleanup crews tasked with removing the debris.
Here is what you need to know if you're driving an electric car in this situation:
What challenges do EVs face?
Charging can be difficult in an evacuation situation. Even Tesla's Superchargers-the fastest option for drivers looking to refill quicklycan take 15 minutes to repower the battery enough to travel 200 miles. This can lead to long lines when everyone is in a rush to get out at the same time.
In the case of the Los Angeles fires, some drivers faced blackouts at charging locations or lengthy waits at stations that remained open. One reason: In wildfire-prone states, such as California, utility companies frequently shut down power as a precautionary measure to prevent electric infrastructure from sparking fires. These outages prevent people from charging their cars at home and can shut down other facilities needed to support public charging.
This story is from the January 28, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
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This story is from the January 28, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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