Why the Waymo Car Fires in Recent Los Angeles Protests Caused the Robotaxis to Burn So Completely
Scientific AmericanMonday, June 9, 2025 at 9:49:00 PM
During recent protests in LA, several Waymo self-driving cars were set on fire, and their lithium-ion batteries didn’t just burn—they exploded into ultra-hot infernos. The batteries hit temperatures over 1,000°C, essentially vaporizing parts of the cars and releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride gas. It’s a worst-case scenario for electric vehicle fires, showing how violently these batteries can fail under extreme conditions.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about vandalism—it’s a stark reminder of the risks tied to lithium-ion batteries in EVs, especially in high-stress situations like protests. For companies like Waymo, it raises tough questions about safety, public perception, and whether their vehicles are prepared for real-world chaos. For cities, it’s another wrinkle in the already messy rollout of robotaxis.
— Curated via WP Now’s
