Local firefighters training on how to respond to collisions involving EVs

As more drivers in the province opt for electric or hybrid vehicles (EV), local first responders are forced to deal with new issues when responding to collisions involving those vehicles.

The Puslinch Fire Department was recently donated a brand new fully electric Volvo EX-30 and has been using the vehicle to train its firefighters and other first responders from Wellington County on what to look out for and how to best approach a collision involving an EV.

“With electric vehicles, when they’re involved in an accident, they stay energized,” Jamie MacNeil, Fire Chief, Township of Puslinch, said.

He told The Mike Farwell Show, that in a gas-powered vehicle responders simply have to disconnect the battery but EVs are very different.

“There’s a lot of stored energy in their battery cells, so a lot of times we have to actually disconnect the high powered electrical lines are connected to the battery cells to ensure the vehicle is de-energized,” he said. “So, it does create a little bit of a nuisance at the beginning but with the training that has been happening and the more information that comes out, it’s becoming a little more easy and routine for emergency services to find those cut points and de-energize those vehicles.”

MacNeil also said the automakers have been excellent partners through the process.

“They’re more than willing to help emergency responders learn the differences between their vehicle verses a different manufacturer and they’re more than willing to send you the information on how to properly work on them, be it a fire or an extrication.”

MacNeil notes that fire is always a major concern when it comes to electric vehicle collisions. It’s the battery cells catching fire and the thermal runoff that create the problem. He said the fires are very difficult to put out and require copious amounts of water, anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000 litres as compared to 1,000 to 1,500 liters.