Chevy Volt Safety Rating Not Changing

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently encountered two separate instances of battery fires during safety testing of the Chevy Volt. The agency launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, and the Associated Press reports that it may have been due to the liquid coolant designed to keep the batteries from overheating.

"We're not the only car company that has liquid-cooled batteries out there – there are many," General Motors CEO Dan Akerson told the AP. "I think it behooves everyone, including General Motors and all of our competition, but most importantly our customers, that we get it right."

However, Ray LaHood, the Transportation Secretary, has already stated that the battery issues will have no effect on the vehicle's safety ratings from either the NHTSA or the Insurance Institutes of Highway Safety. The fires only occur after a crash if the batteries are not drained, but GM is alerted by built-in OnStar systems when a Volt is involved in a car accident and sends workers to drain the battery within two days.

Other fixes that may be required after a car crash can be expensive, so drivers may want to invest in an auto warranty to cover the cost of repairs.