The National Fire Protection Association, Chevrolet and OnStar have launched virtual electric-vehicle safety training for first responders. The online training — which is hosted by NFPA and can be accessed at http://evsafetytraining.org/training —features an inside look at the newest technology and safety systems on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

The collaboration with Chevrolet and OnStar stems from NFPA’s electric vehicle safety training initiative, a result of a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which supports the growing number of electric vehicles in the United States.

NFPA and Chevrolet/OnStar began collaboration last fall with a national tour that included a series of live training sessions featuring the Chevrolet Volt. The launch of the virtual training is a result of months of research and development between Chevrolet and OnStar training specialists, engineers, firefighters and subject matter experts associated with NFPA. Firefighters and first responders who use the online training will have access to an interactive training session including videos, virtual trainers and a variety of downloadable resources about the technology and inner workings of the Chevrolet Volt.

NFPA is currently conducting its own live pilot training courses in a handful of locations across the country and trainings for all firefighters and first responders will be available nationwide this summer.