Ensuring safety at the scene of an accident involving EVs begins with adhering to fundamental general practices which may include...
Assessing the scene for existing hazards, such as:
• Scattered debris.
• Spills or fluid leaks.
• Traffic or nearby environmental risks (e.g., waterways, foliage).
Always approaching the vehicle from the passenger side when possible to stay out of its potential travel path, as electric motors operate silently and may be running even if there is no engine noise.
Identifying Vehicle Type:
• Assume all vehicles could be hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) until proven otherwise.
Identify EVs through observable indicators such as:
• Vehicle emblems or badging (e.g., “EV” or “Hybrid”).
• Model names or designations.
• High-voltage cables, typically orange but sometimes covered by protective material of another colour.
• Avoiding assumptions and treating all vehicles as potentially high-voltage and active, regardless of their apparent damage or status.
• Communicating observations and findings about the scene and vehicle type with other responders or personnel to ensure collective awareness and safety.