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Lithium-ion Battery Transporter Survey

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In 2024, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed drivers/transporters and recyclers on their experience with electric vehicle (EV) transportation. 

ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION REQURIES PRECAUTION

  • 64% of respondents have been involved in transporting electric vehicles
    • 77% transported EV because of vehicle damage or post -accident recovery
    • 61% transported EV due to relocation or shipping
    • 35% transported EV because the vehicle had no charge
    • 20% transported EV due to end-of-life recycling
  • 87% look specific precautions when transporting the EV
    • 69% received training related to EV transportation
    • 47% had a formal certification program

PRECAUTION USED 

  • 72% followed specific loading/unloading procedures
  • 64% received specialized equipment for EV transport
  • 52% monitored battery status during transportation
  • 50% used fire suppression equipment on standby
  • 47% isolated the EV from other cargo
  • 45% consulted safety guidelines or documentation
  • 27% have experienced fire or other hazardous incidents when transporting EVs or battery powered vehicles/devices. These incidents include:
    • Batteries overheating: 53%
    • Smoke emission: 52%
    • Fires: 52%
    • Explosions: 19%
    • Sparks or Arcing: 42%

HOW INCIDENTS WERE HANDLED

  • 53% followed company emergency protocols
  • 49% used fire suppression equipment
  • 55% evacuated the area
  • 47% contacted emergency services
  • 36% reported the incident to management

Only 66% of respondents with yard/field/drop-off locations have a special segregated area for EVs or batteries

ADDITIONAL SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • 75% of transporters were required to label or identify electric vehicles before collection or transport
  • Only 65% of respondents stated that a specialist or authorized qualified employee is required to inspect the EV before collection or drop off
  • Only 51% of respondents are “extremely” or “very” familiar with regulations for transporting EVs and lithium-ion batteries
  • 75% believe additional training would help the respondent handle and transport EVs more safely
  • 74% stated they always are provided with proper equipment to safely transport EV and lithium-ion batteries
  • 73% stated their company has specific polices regarding the transportation of EVs and lithium-ion batteries 

Full Survey Results

Table of Contents

Q1) For your job, what is your primary role?

Q2) In performing your job, which of the following have you been responsible for transporting, preparing for transport, or storing? (select all that apply)

Q3) How many years of experience do you have in this field?

Q4) What type of organization do you work for?

Q5) In which region does your company primarily operate?

Q6) Have you ever been involved in transporting electric vehicles (EVs)?

Q7) What were the primary reasons for transporting the electric vehicle(s) with which you were involved? (select all that apply)

Q8) Did you take any special precautions when transporting the electric vehicle(s)?

Q9) What precautions did you take when transporting the electric vehicle(s)? (select all that apply)

Q10) Have you received any training related to electric vehicle transportation?

Q11) What type of training have you received? (select all that apply)

Q12) How confident are you in your knowledge of safely transporting electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?

Q13) Have you ever experienced a fire or other hazardous incident when transporting electric vehicles or battery-powered vehicles/devices?

Q14) What type of fire or other hazardous incident did you experience when transporting electric vehicles or battery-powered vehicles/devices? (select all that apply)

Q15) How was the incident handled? (select all that apply)

Q16) Does the yard/field/drop-off location have a special segregated area for electric vehicles or battery-powered devices?

Q17) What type of special areas are provided for EVs at the drop-off location? (select all that apply)

Q18) Are you required to label or identify electric vehicles before collection or transportation?

Q19) How do you label or identify electric vehicles? (select all that apply)

Q20) Is a specialist or authorized qualified employee required to inspect the electric vehicle before collection or drop-off?

Q21) What is typically inspected before transportation of an electric vehicle?

Q22) Are you familiar with the regulations for transporting electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?

Q23) Are you familiar with the regulations for transporting electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?

Q24) Do you believe additional training would help you handle and transport electric vehicles more safely?

Q25) What types of training or resources would be most beneficial? (select all that apply)

Q26) Does your company have specific policies regarding the transportation of electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?

Q27) Are you provided with proper equipment to safely transport electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?

Q28) Are you provided with proper equipment to safely transport electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries?