Providing firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and towing professionals with accessible, immersive training for electric vehicle emergency response through virtual reality, interactive 3D vehicle models, and AI-powered learning support.
Current Status: Proof-of-Concept Development
Project Lead: Nathan Huynh and the Nebraska Clean Cities and Communities Coalition (NEC4) in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Sponsor: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)
About this Project
Why this Project Matters
Electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across Nebraska, creating new challenges for first responders who may encounter EV batter fires, damaged charging systems, or high-voltage components during emergencies. Many rural communities rely heavily on volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel who may have limited access to specialized EV training opportunities.
This project seeks to make high-quality EV emergency response training available anytime, anywhere through immersive learning technologies.
Key Goals
- Expand access to EV emergency response training.
- Remove barriers related to travel, scheduling, and cost.
- Create an engaging learning experience using XR technology.
- Provide on-demand support through artificial intelligence (AI).
- Improve responder confidence and safety.
Project Impact
Making Training Accessible
This project is designed to support:
- Volunteer fire departments
- Career fire departments
- EMS personnel
- Law enforcement agencies
- Towing and recovery professionals
By offering free, on-demand training, the project can extend specialized EV emergency response education to communities that may not otherwise have access.
Current Platform Features
360° Training Experience
Experience a real-world EV emergency response training through an immersive 360-degree video captured during a live training event. Users can explore content on a desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or virtual reality headset.
Example Content
- Classroom introduction and lesson
- Vehicle walkaround
- Modeled vehicles with interest points labeled
Interactive EV Exploration
Users can inspect electric vehicles from multiple angles and learn about:
- High-voltage systems
- Battery locations
- Emergency disconnects
- Safety considerations
- Manufacturer-specific features
Built using interactive 360-degree imaging and advanced 3D reconstruction techniques.
AI Learning Assistant
The project includes an AI-powered chatbot trained on:
- Training workshop discussions
- Instructor responses
- EV safety manuals
- Emergency response best practices
The assistant provides real-time answers and supports personalized learning experiences through natural conversation.