What to Do After an EV Accident: High-Voltage Safety and Emergencies

How an EV protects you in a crash

EVs consistently score very well in crash tests. The heavy, low battery pack lowers the centre of gravity and reduces rollover risk, the front has no engine block and so crumples more effectively, and the high-voltage system is designed to disconnect itself automatically in a collision severe enough to fire the airbags. High-voltage cables are bright orange and routed away from crumple zones so that rescuers can identify them.

Immediately after a collision

1. Stop, switch the car off and, if it is safe, get everyone out and away from the vehicle and traffic.
2. Call the emergency services and say clearly that it is an electric vehicle — they have specific procedures.
3. Do not touch any exposed orange cables or components, and keep others away from them.
4. If you see smoke, hear hissing or notice a sweet chemical smell from underneath, move well away: the battery may be damaged.
5. Do not try to move a car that has visible battery damage.
6. Note the make and model for responders; many fire services carry rescue sheets for specific EVs.

Breakdowns and towing

• An EV should be transported on a flatbed, not towed with its driven wheels on the ground — the motor acts as a generator and can be damaged, and some cars cannot be put into a true neutral.
• Tell the recovery service it is an EV so they send the right truck.
• If the car has run flat, some roadside services carry portable chargers; otherwise a flatbed to the nearest charger is the answer.
• Never attempt to jump-start the high-voltage battery. The small 12 V battery can be jump-started in the normal way if the car will not wake up.

Before charging again

After any significant impact, particularly to the underside, sills or rear, have the battery pack and high-voltage system inspected before you plug in. A damaged pack can be safe to sit but hazardous to charge. Insurers and manufacturers have inspection protocols for exactly this.

Emergency kit for EV drivers

• The car's rescue sheet (often downloadable from the manufacturer) kept in the glovebox.
• A charged phone with your charging apps and roadside assistance number.
• A warning triangle, high-visibility vest and torch.
• Knowledge of where the car's manual high-voltage disconnect or 'first responder loop' is — it is in the handbook.