Motorists today can often spot an electric vehicle at a glance. Sleek badging, a covered grille, or even the absence of tailpipes all give hints. Obviously, hybrids and EVs also line up at chargers instead of gas pumps. But in a serious crash, or even a car fire, those visual cues can vanish. For first responders, that uncertainty can mean valuable seconds lost.

That’s where William S. Lerner believes he can help.

The inventor recently secured a patent for technology that would allow emergency crews to identify a vehicle’s energy source almost instantly

His idea combines old-school simplicity with modern tech: QR codes and LED flash patterns.

Lerner explained that a QR code could be placed inside the car, such as on the rearview mirror where sun dots typically sit. A responder could scan the code and immediately see details like make, model, battery type, charge level, or even warnings not to approach. The system could also broadcast wireless messages if needed.

The LED patterns add another layer of clarity. A flashing sequence in green could signal an EV, while a mix of green, pink, and red could identify a hybrid. Different colors could also mark hydrogen vehicles. Lerner said the goal is to keep information clear even when the car is badly damaged.

The urgency comes from the dangers tied to EV battery fires

Lerner, who co-founded Intermodal Renewables, explained that the chemical cocktail released during an EV blaze is not fully understood.

Burning lithium-ion batteries mixed with hundreds of pounds of plastic can produce toxic fumes. First responders, he said, need distance and data, since no clear treatment exists for long-term exposure.

To put his system into practice, Lerner has offered training through groups like the International Association of Firefighters. He said he doesn’t charge for it and would license the technology royalty-free to certain agencies. Automakers could also run pilot programs without cost.

Support already exists in the field

OEM1Stop provides emergency guides for each model, and the Energy Security Agency runs a 24/7 hotline to walk responders through EV risks. The National Fire Protection Association and the Department of Energy also provide training courses, Repairer Driven News shared.

Still, Lerner’s patent aims to give responders quicker answers in the heat of an unpredictable crisis.