For reasons of fire safety, electric or hybrid vehicles that have been involved in an accident must be parked in an enclosed outdoor area – with sufficient distance to other vehicles, buildings, flammable objects and substrates. Leaving an electric or hybrid vehicle with a damaged battery system in an indoor area is not recommended under any circumstances.
In addition, specific instructions from the manufacturer such as the safety data sheet must also be observed. If the high-voltage components of electric or hybrid vehicles involved in an accident are exposed to the weather, they must be covered with a weatherproof tarpaulin and labelled accordingly. This is especially important for vehicle deliveries outside business hours.
Electric or hybrid vehicles that have been involved in an accident must be stored safely according to local quarantine regulations until there is no further risk of reignition. The length of time, as well as the subsequent steps – such as removal, repair or disposal – always depend on the individual situation and will be evaluated by a high-voltage expert.
As with any accident, all passengers should leave the vehicle immediately and move to a safe place. The usual necessary safety precautions must be taken.
Following an accident, a fire can start immediately, with a delay or sometimes even days later – especially if the battery has been damaged in the accident. The site of the accident must therefore always be secured, and anyone involved must be brought to safety.
While highly unlikely, this cannot be completely ruled out, especially in the case of serious accidents. If the system detects an accident in which the airbags have been deployed, the high-voltage battery and the on-board electrical system are automatically disconnected from each other. The vehicles are also equipped with several different protection mechanisms:
1. The entire high-voltage system is touch-protected.
2. The high-voltage system is also completely isolated from the vehicle body by means of galvanic or electrical isolation.
3. The high-voltage system is switched off immediately in the event of serious accidents involving airbag deployment.
The models are fitted with special underrun protection.
