In November, Katherine Wilson, a resident of West Tisbury, encountered an unexpected challenge after hitting a deer near Whippoorwill Farm. While no one was injured and the deer managed to escape unharmed, Wilson’s Volkswagen ID.4 suffered exterior damage. What followed was a series of complications that highlighted a broader issue facing the island community: the Steamship Authority's policy against transporting damaged electric vehicles. This policy, driven by safety concerns from the U.S. Coast Guard, has left many residents, including Wilson, reconsidering their commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Martha’s Vineyard as it strives to achieve its ambitious renewable energy goals.

Katherine Wilson had lived on Martha’s Vineyard her entire life without ever hitting a deer—until that fateful evening in November. After striking the animal, she noticed damage to the front driver’s side of her leased Volkswagen ID.4. Initially planning to take the car to a repair shop in Hyannis, Wilson soon discovered an unforeseen obstacle: the Steamship Authority would not allow her to board with a damaged electric vehicle due to fears of potential fires. This policy, based on guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard, aims to prevent incidents involving compromised lithium-ion batteries. For Wilson, who had been eager to embrace electric vehicles as part of her efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, this new restriction came as a significant setback.

The Steamship Authority’s decision to prohibit damaged electric vehicles from boarding ferries stems from a January 2023 advisory issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Following Hurricane Ian, first responders reported numerous fires involving electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries exposed to saltwater. These incidents led to concerns about thermal runaway, a condition where a battery can overheat uncontrollably. Although such fires are rare, the potential risks have prompted strict measures. For residents like Wilson, this policy adds an extra layer of complexity to everyday life. She mentioned that many people on the island are unaware of this rule, and it has caused hesitation among those considering purchasing electric vehicles.

Martha’s Vineyard has set a goal of being powered entirely by renewable energy by 2040. However, policies like the Steamship Authority’s create speedbumps in this transition. Kate Warner, the regional energy planner for the Martha’s Vineyard Commission, acknowledged that the policy might deter some residents from adopting electric vehicles. Yet, she remains optimistic about the island’s climate goals, recognizing that the world is undergoing a significant shift toward electrification. Meanwhile, other residents have found creative solutions, such as hiring barge crews to transport damaged electric vehicles off the island. Despite these challenges, the push toward cleaner energy continues, albeit with some adjustments along the way.

The Steamship Authority’s policy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding electric vehicles and their integration into daily life on Martha’s Vineyard. While safety concerns are paramount, the policy has created unintended consequences for residents committed to reducing their carbon footprint. For now, individuals like Wilson are navigating these challenges, weighing their options, and finding alternative solutions. As the island moves forward with its renewable energy initiatives, addressing these issues will be crucial to ensuring a smoother transition to a more sustainable future.