A federal transportation official is warning that electric vehicle batteries, which can weigh thousands of pounds and make cars much heavier than their gas-powered counterparts.

According to an Associated Press article published by NPR, the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is raising concerns about the weight of large electric vehicles, which could pose new risks in collisions with lighter cars.
Electric vehicles gain extra weight thanks to the size of their batteries, which, to provide long driving ranges, must weigh as much as 2,900 pounds. As another recent Bloomberg CityLab article noted, the rapid acceleration of electric vehicles has also prompted safety concerns.
NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy said in a press conference last week that, while decarbonizing transportation is an important goal, officials must also evaluate the safety risks posed by new technology, warning against unintended impacts on road safety.
FULL STORY: NTSB head warns of risks posed by heavy electric vehicles colliding with lighter cars

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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