As Electric vehicles bring new technology to the road, there are new safety considerations to keep in mind when handling electric and hybrid vehicles that are damaged or disabled.
For tow operators and transport personnel, the first step is identification. Always check the VIN or badging to confirm whether the vehicle is electric or a hybrid. If it is, clearly mark it as an EV so everyone on site knows they are working around high-voltage components and potentially volatile batteries. Not sure if the vehicle is electric or hybrid? Assume it is to be safe.
Damaged car batteries can become unstable even hours after an incident. Use thermal imaging when available to check for abnormal heat that could indicate a developing failure. And remember, electric vehicle segregation is critical. Keep EVs and hybrids that have been in an accident or cannot charge away from other vehicles, structures, and combustibles during transport and storage.
Awareness, identification, and Isolation help reduce risk.
