EV safety
Electric cars are tested to the same safety standards as other cars, but they carry a large high-voltage battery. That changes what you should and should not do after a crash, in a fire or in floodwater.
This page covers the EV-specific parts of emergencies. Your general crash duties, such as stopping, helping and reporting, are the same as for any car and are covered in the car syllabus.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can recognise high-voltage parts and keep away from them
- You can make an EV safe and get help after a crash
- You can react correctly if an EV shows signs of a battery fire
- You can explain why EVs and floodwater do not mix
- You can drive with extra care because EVs are quiet
What you need to know and understand
- High-voltage cables in EVs are usually coloured bright orange
- Drivers should never cut, touch or try to repair high-voltage parts
- In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them the car is electric
- Battery fires can be intense, give off toxic smoke and may restart after going out
- Never drive through floodwater, in any car
- EVs are heavy for their size, so allow for this when braking and cornering
- Roadside assistance should be told the car is an EV before towing
High voltage: look but do not touch
An EV battery stores far more energy than a household power point can deliver, and its cables run under the car to the motor. These parts are sealed and protected, and the system is designed to shut down in a serious crash. Even so, damaged parts may still be live.
Treat anything orange under the bonnet or under the car as off limits. Only trained technicians should work on it.
After a crash in an EV
If you see smoke, hissing, popping or a strong chemical smell from under the car, treat it as a possible battery fire. Get well clear, stay upwind and do not try to put it out yourself.
- Stop, switch on hazard lights and put the car in park
- Turn the car off fully, using the power button or key as your owner's manual describes
- Get everyone out and well away from the car and the traffic if it is safe to do so
- Call Triple Zero (000) if anyone is hurt or there is smoke, fire or damage under the car, and say it is an electric vehicle
- Do not touch damaged orange cables or leaking fluids
- When calling roadside assistance or a tow, tell them it is an EV so they bring the right equipment
Water, heat and silent running
Floodwater is dangerous in any car: it can float a vehicle and sweep it away. For an EV there is the extra risk that salt or dirty water damages the battery. If an EV has been flooded, do not drive it or charge it until it has been checked.
EVs are very quiet at low speeds. Many new models play an artificial sound, but people walking, children and cyclists may still not hear you. Take extra care in car parks, shared zones and near schools.
- If it's flooded, forget it: do not drive into floodwater
- Park away from fire risks such as bushfire-prone scrub where possible
- Follow the car maker's advice on charging in very hot weather
Common mistakes
- Touching damaged parts after a crash: keep away from orange cables and leaking fluid
- Forgetting to say it is an EV: tell Triple Zero and roadside assistance so they respond correctly
- Fighting a battery fire yourself: get clear, stay upwind and wait for firefighters
- Driving or charging after a flood: have the car checked first
- Assuming pedestrians can hear you: watch carefully at low speed
Test yourself: EV safety
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Australian Government guidance on electric vehicles (energy.gov.au); Fire and Rescue NSW electric vehicle safety information; Queensland Your keys to driving, floodwater advice; Transport for NSW Road User Handbook, crashes section. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.