As electric vehicles (EVs) become more and more common, fleet operators are beginning to slowly integrate more EVs into their operations. However, whilst EVs do have fewer mechanical components than their petrol or diesel counterparts, they do still present unique challenges when it comes to recovery and repair.
In all circumstances, the safe recovery of EV fleets is critical, so much so that any incident requires specialised knowledge and skills to mitigate risks. But why exactly is that, and what actions should be taken to ensure complete safety?
The unique hazards of an EV rescue mission
Electric vehicles, especially commercial ones, come with distinct hazards that are not typically associated with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In fact, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the risks when dealing with EV recoveries include:
- High voltage components: as EVs contain high voltage systems that can deliver lethal electric shocks if mishandled, meaning only technicians trained in EV systems should ever interact with these components
- Energy storage dangers: whereby the batteries in EVs can store significant amounts of energy, and if damaged, can catch fire or explode
- Retained voltage: where some components in EVs can retain dangerous voltage levels even when the vehicle is turned off, making it risky to assume they are safe to touch
- Unexpected movements: as electric motors can cause unexpected vehicle movements due to magnetic forces
- Battery handling: where the replacing or removing EV batteries involves manual handling risks, as they are often heavy and unwieldy
- And hazardous releases: particularly as damaged batteries may release explosive gases and harmful liquids, adding another layer of danger during recovery
Because of this, only fully trained EV repair specialists should undertake the recovery of electric commercial vehicles, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed and the risks are managed effectively
The importance of specialised training
Training is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for anyone involved in the recovery of EV fleets, so much so that the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) has emphasised a substantial skills gap in the industry with only 11% of technicians in the UK being currently qualified to work on EVs, highlighting a projected need for 107,000 EV-trained technicians by 2030 to accommodate demand.
What’s more, current training for emergency services regarding EVs is insufficient too, and the Faraday Institution has noted that existing safety standards and manufacturer response guides do not adequately cover the complexities of dealing with EV fires – a gap in training which leaves first responders vulnerable to severe electric shocks when dealing with high voltage wiring.
Best practices for a safe EV recovery
When an electric commercial vehicle is involved in an accident or breakdown, the following steps should be followed by a trained specialist:
- The initial assessment: where an EV technician will conduct a visual inspection for any damage to high voltage components or cabling, and assess whether the battery might be damaged
- Perform battery isolation: whereby if the vehicle is damaged or faulty, and if it’s safe to do so, an EV technician will isolate the high voltage battery system, remove the remote operation key to a safe distance and disconnect the standard 12/24v battery to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently starting
- Avoid any towing until safe: where an EV technician will not allow the vehicle to be towed until they deem it safe, as towing can generate dangerous voltages through wheel movements and pose an even greater risk
- Emergency response: whereby an EV technician will liaise with their rescue and recovery operator and to remove and repair the vehicle.
But… we still need to build a safer future for EVs
Whilst yes, the integration of EVs into fleets is of course a positive step towards sustainability, it also necessitates a re-evaluation of recovery and repair protocols.
Fleet operators must prioritise training for their technicians and ensure they are equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle EVs safely, as this not only protects the technicians themselves, but also ensures the safety of other road users and the integrity of the vehicles too.
Ultimately, as EV technology continues to evolve, any approach to their recovery and repair needs to evolve too, and investing in specialised training, adhering to best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in EV safety are critical steps towards a safer, more efficient future for EV fleets.
Knowing who to call when you’re stuck
At Egertons, our 55-year heritage has led us to be one of the UK’s leading vehicle rescue and recovery operators, and we’re proud to say that our team includes fully trained electric vehicle specialist technicians who are able to safely help in the recovery of your electric commercial vehicles.
This is because, for us, it’s so important to always invest back into our service, allowing us to grow our fleet and expert team to offer the best and safest service possible.
In fact, this service starts from the moment you first call us, as our sophisticated triage process allows us to deploy the exact right vehicles to a scene first time. This is supported by our 24-hour control room, and having invested in industry leading software, we can seamlessly track the progress of all our vehicles and allocate jobs straight to the recovery technicians.
Combine this process with our 300-strong fleet, vast range of equipment available on hand and the technology it is equipped with, you can rest assured you’re in the best of hands.
But we don’t stop there. We’re not just a vehiclerecovery service, we’ll also help deliver your load, your driver and your vehicle to the most appropriate locations to get your day back on track as quickly as possible. Our experts can facilitate drop offs to separate locations, whether it’s the original planned destination, company depot or preferred workshop.
This is because we completely understand that every business and individual have different priorities surrounding their electric vehicles, and your instructions may be personal preference or business requirement.
In other words, you make the call, and we’ll do the rest.
We’re ready for electric vehicles when you are.
Reach out today.