Common Motors mentioned it’s reviving a decade-old program to coach first responders on electrical autos.

The revamped program, named “EV First Responder Coaching”, will deal with fireplace providers, and plans to show firefighters easy methods to safely reply to incidents involving electrical and hybrid autos, GM mentioned Thursday.

Some firefighting strategies primarily based on gasoline-powered autos, akin to puncturing holes in automobile hoods for water channels, will be harmful to carry out on EVs because of totally different part placement.

It additionally goals to fight misconceptions round EV batteries, akin to water being harmful round lithium battery fires.

“Our main aim is to offer key info on to first and second responders,” Joe McLaine, GM international product security and programs engineer, mentioned in an announcement. “This coaching gives distinctive materials and hands-on experiences that may assist improve responders’ consciousness of procedures to assist preserve security whereas interacting with EVs through the efficiency of their duties.”

EV First Responder Coaching has its roots within the Chevrolet Volt. The hybrid was a brand new idea in 2011, and GM labored with first responders within the early 2010’s to make sure security.

The brand new iteration will likely be delivered in a 4 hour block by dwell shows, movies, animations and digital demonstrations.

GM spokesperson Stuart Fowle advised Automotive Information curiosity is excessive.

“There’s simply issues that firefighters have discovered over time and gotten into their heads for fuel autos which are simply going to alter,” Fowle mentioned. “I believe there is a massive pent-up demand for one thing like this.”