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This information report provides an overview of a typical high voltage electric propulsion vehicle (xEV) and the associated on-board safety systems typically employed by OEM’s to protect these high voltage systems. The report aims to improve public confidence in xEV safety systems and dispel public misconceptions about the likelihood of being shocked by the high voltage system, even when the vehicle has been damaged. The report will document select high voltage systems used for xEV’s and describe safety systems employed to prevent exposure to the high voltage systems.

This information report provides an overview of a typical high voltage electric propulsion vehicle (xEV) and the associated on-board safety systems typically employed by OEM’s to protect these high voltage systems. The report aims to improve public confidence in xEV safety systems and dispel public misconceptions about the likelihood of being shocked by the high voltage system, even when the vehicle has been damaged. The report will document select high voltage systems used for xEV’s and describe safety systems employed to prevent exposure to the high voltage systems.

xEVs involved in incidents present unique hazards associated with the high voltage system (including the battery system). These hazards can be grouped into 3 categories: chemical, electrical, and thermal. The potential consequences can vary depending on the size, configuration and specific battery chemistry. Other incidents may arise from secondary events such as garage fires and floods. These types of incidents are also considered in the recommended practice (RP). This RP aims to describe the potential consequences associated with hazards from xEVs and suggest common procedures to help protect emergency responders, tow and/or recovery, storage, repair, and salvage personnel after an incident has occurred with an electrified vehicle. Industry design standards and tools were studied and where appropriate, suggested for responsible organizations to implement.

xEVs involved in incidents present unique hazards associated with the high voltage system (including the battery system). These hazards can be grouped into three categories: chemical, electrical, and thermal. The potential consequences can vary depending on the size, configuration, and specific battery chemistry. Other incidents may arise from secondary events such as garage fires and floods. These types of incidents are also considered in the recommended practice (RP). This RP aims to describe the potential consequences associated with hazards from xEVs and suggest common procedures to help protect emergency responders, tow and/or recovery, storage, repair, and salvage personnel after an incident has occurred with an electrified vehicle. Industry design standards and tools were studied and where appropriate, suggested for responsible organizations to implement. Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries used for vehicle propulsion power are the assumed battery system of this RP.