We recommend the vehicle manufacturer’s emergency response instructions are always followed. However, if these are not available, this section outlines some general instructions.
Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s emergency response instructions. If these are not available, follow the general instructions provided below.
A tethered cable cannot be disconnected from the charging station, so it must be disconnected at the vehicle end.
If the cable is locked into the vehicle’s socket, the safest option is to use the vehicle’s key remote control to unlock the cable, and then remove the tethered cable’s plug from the inlet of the vehicle. If the key remote control is not available but you can safely enter the vehicle, then look for the driver’s control inside the cabin to unlock the cable and remove the plug of the tethered cable from the inlet of the vehicle.
If you cannot unlock the cable, check to see if the charging station has a “disconnect” button to release the cable or a “panic” button to shut down the charging station’s power.
If none of these options are available, locate the charging station operator’s contact details and contact the operator.
Untethered cables can be disconnected from either the charging station or the vehicle.
Some older charging cables cannot be locked, so can be easily disconnected. Most newer cables need to be unlocked before they can be disconnected.
If the cable is locked into the vehicle’s socket, the safest option is to use the vehicle’s key remote control to unlock the cable, and then remove the untethered cable’s plug from the inlet of the vehicle. If the key remote control is not available but you can safely enter the vehicle, then look for the driver’s control inside the cabin to unlock the cable and remove the plug of the untethered cable from the inlet of the vehicle.
If you cannot unlock the cable, check to see if the charging station has a “disconnect” button to release the cable or a “panic” button to shut down the charging station’s power.
If none of these options are available, locate the charging station operator’s contact details and contact the operator.
An emergency may require the power to the charging station to be cut off (for example if the station is damaged and live electrical wiring is exposed). In this case, secure the area around the station and contact the operator using the contact details displayed on, or near, the charging station.
Always correctly isolate the vehicle’s high-voltage electrical system before removing the vehicle from an emergency scene.
Flat towing an electric vehicle is not recommended.
It is recommended the electric vehicle is pulled onto a flatbed recovery vehicle or trailer so that it can be removed from the scene in a static state. If a flatbed recovery vehicle is not available, then jockey wheels should be used under one axle set, with the other axle set being suspended off the road by the recovery vehicle to minimise movement of the electric vehicle’s wheels during the removal operation.
If a delayed fire is possible, the vehicle should be stored in an open area and checked regularly.
