• Determine the extent of damage and vehicle position (i.e. facing traffic, off-road, submerged).
• Note any external factors such as fire, smoke, arcing, or fluid leaks.
• Use a thermal camera if available to identify hotspots.
2. Communicate with emergency personnel, if applicable.
• Confirm the vehicle’s status with fire or police responders.
• Establish if road closures or traffic management actions are required to secure the area.
3. Inspect for thermal hazards.
• Look for visible signs of fire, smoke, or overheating.
• Listen for gurgling, bubbling, hissing, or popping sounds, which may indicate thermal runaway.
• Notify the fire department immediately if any of these signs are present. Clear the area around the vehicle and open doors if possible to avoid gas build-up.
4. Inspect for electrical hazards.
• Check high-voltage cables for visible damage, such as pinched or torn sheathing, which could lead to thermal events or shock hazards.
• Notify responders if battery cells or modules are detached from the casing.
• Be aware of re-ignition risks during transportation or up to 30 days post-incident.
• Assess submerged vehicles, if applicable.
• Note that EVs are generally safe in water as high voltage is isolated from the chassis.
• Observe for small bubbles (micro-bubbling) caused by water electrolysis; this is not a shock hazard.
• Understand that submerged vehicles, especially in saltwater, may pose a re-ignition risk due to electrical short circuits.
5. Check for battery leaks.
• Inspect for liquid leaks potentially originating from the high-voltage battery.
• Be alert for a sweet ether-like odor, which may indicate lithium-ion battery electrolyte leakage.
• Notify responders if a leak is suspected or if the source of the liquid is unclear.
Staying alert throughout the recovery process is critical to ensuring safety. Tow operators should regularly reassess the scene and the vehicle for any changes or new risks. Be prepared to adjust your recovery plan as needed to handle unexpected hazards. Maintaining open and continuous communication with emergency personnel is also key to staying updated on any changes that could affect the recovery’s safety and efficiency.