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SAE paper 2013-01-0213 [1] described firefighting tests with Li-Ion traction batteries. However, additional knowledge and experience has been gained since then. In 2018 and 2019, DEKRA Accident Research and the Department of Anesthesiology of the University Medical Center Göttingen conducted crash tests far beyond standard with four battery electric vehicles. Three of the vehicles’ batteries were used to test a new method of firefighting. A specially designed lance was used to pierce the battery housing, which enabled water to be directly fed into the housings themselves. The method proved to be very effective, but the tests also showed some limitations. The information gleaned from this series of tests and experience gained from other tests was used as a basis for the formation of a multidisciplinary group of experts.

The number of full electric and hybrid electric vehicles is rapidly growing [1][2][3]. The new technologies accompanying this trend are increasingly becoming a focal point of interest for rescue services. There is much uncertainty about the right techniques to free trapped occupants after an accident. The same applies to vehicle fires. Can car fires involving vehicles with a lithium ion traction battery be handled in the same way as conventional vehicle fires? Is water the right extinguishing agent? Is there a risk of explosion? There are many unanswered questions surrounding the topic of electric vehicle safety. The lack of information is a breeding ground for rumours, misinformation and superficial knowledge. Discussions on various internet platforms further this trend. Tests were conducted on three lithium ion traction batteries, which were fuel-fired until burning on their own. The batteries were then extinguished with water, a surfactant and a gelling agent.