Electric Cars

A cargo ship carrying electric vehicles caught fire off the coast of Alaska, with authorities allowing the flames to burn due to the volatile nature of lithium-ion batteries. The incident unfolded more than 24 hours after the initial outbreak, as reported by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the vessel's management. All crew members were safely evacuated before the fire could escalate further. The Morning Midas, managed by Zodiac Maritime, was en route from China to Mexico when trouble began. This event has sparked discussions about the risks associated with transporting such energy-dense batteries across vast oceans.

On Tuesday afternoon, a deck loaded with electric vehicles aboard the Morning Midas started emitting smoke approximately 1,200 miles away from Anchorage. Unable to control the situation, the crew promptly sent out a distress signal just 15 minutes later. According to a statement released by Zodiac Maritime, all 22 crew members abandoned the ship using lifeboats and were subsequently rescued by a nearby commercial vessel. Given the potential for catastrophic explosions caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries, the U.S. Coast Guard opted not to intervene directly but instead monitored the situation from a safe distance.

The Morning Midas had embarked on its journey from Yantai, China, stopping at Shanghai and Nansha—two significant hubs for Chinese electric vehicle exports—before crossing the Pacific Ocean. It was transporting a total of 3,000 cars, including 800 electric vehicles destined for Lázaro Cárdenas in Mexico. This highlights the growing importance of Chinese-made electric vehicles in Latin American markets, where they account for over 60% of sales in recent years. However, incidents like this one underscore the challenges posed by battery fires at sea, where saltwater corrosion can exacerbate the problem.

This is not the first time a car carrier has faced perilous conditions due to onboard fires. In 2022, the Felicity Ace sank in the Atlantic Ocean after an uncontrollable blaze raged for nearly two weeks, taking down around 4,000 luxury vehicles with it. Meanwhile, concerns about lithium-ion battery safety have also affected air travel, prompting stricter regulations among carriers globally. For instance, Southwest Airlines and several Asian airlines have recently tightened restrictions regarding the transport and use of these batteries following a destructive fire at a South Korean airport earlier this year.

Petty Officer First Class Shannon Kearney of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 17th District emphasized that while electric vehicles might be linked to the fire, definitive conclusions cannot yet be drawn. An investigation will delve deeper into the root cause of the incident. As global reliance on lithium-ion batteries grows, so does the need for enhanced safety measures during transportation, particularly in marine environments where unique hazards exist.

In a thought-provoking op-ed ahead of Toyota’s June 10 annual shareholder meeting, Adam Lee, Chairman of Lee Auto Malls, reflects on the company’s pivotal role in shaping the automotive industry and its recent divergence from environmental leadership. Lee, an advocate for stricter emissions standards, recounts his personal journey promoting Toyota vehicles as pioneers in hybrid technology. However, he now criticizes the brand for lagging behind competitors in fully embracing electric vehicles (EVs). With only 1.2% of Toyota's U.S. sales being fully electric in 2024, far below the national average, Lee argues that Toyota has not only stalled but also actively opposed climate action by supporting political candidates who deny climate change. This critique underscores the urgency for Toyota to reassess its stance and recommit to sustainability.

Adam Lee’s connection with nature dates back to his childhood adventures in the Maine woods, instilling in him a deep appreciation for environmental preservation. His commitment extends beyond personal beliefs, as evidenced by his advocacy for stronger emission regulations and chairmanship of Maine's energy efficiency board. It was this ethos that led him to champion Toyota when it introduced the Prius in 2001, marking a revolutionary shift toward fuel-efficient vehicles amidst competitors focused on SUVs. Over time, Lee's dealership grew from one of the smallest Toyota dealerships in Maine into the state’s largest hybrid seller.

However, times have changed, and according to Lee, so must Toyota's approach. While other manufacturers have embraced EV innovation, Toyota remains entrenched in plug-in hybrid territory, accounting for merely 1.2% of its U.S. vehicle sales being fully electric. Lee expresses dismay over Toyota's financial backing of climate-denying politicians, significantly surpassing contributions made by Ford and General Motors. Additionally, Toyota has been vocal in lobbying against climate policies, even publicly endorsing legislation aimed at weakening environmental safeguards. Such actions, Lee asserts, contradict Toyota's potential as a leader in green automotive technology.

Lee emphasizes the importance of robust policy frameworks in driving advancements within the automotive sector. Historically, without stringent regulations, improvements in safety and fuel efficiency would stagnate. The reduction in air pollution-related deaths witnessed between 2000 and 2021 serves as a testament to the effectiveness of strengthened environmental standards. Conversely, weakening these measures could lead to catastrophic consequences, both economically and environmentally.

Beyond mere criticism, Lee conveys his enduring admiration for Toyota's craftsmanship and reliability. Yet, he insists that love does not absolve accountability. For Toyota to reclaim its position as a pioneer in eco-friendly transportation, it must sever ties with climate deniers and accelerate its EV production. In light of global trends favoring electrification, particularly in regions like China, Toyota faces a critical juncture. As shareholders convene, they bear the responsibility to steer the company towards a sustainable future, ensuring long-term viability and contributing positively to global efforts against climate change.