NHTSA has published Interim Guidance for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Equipped with High Voltage Batteries (DOT HS 811 574). Developed with the assistance and expert input of the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy (DOE) and others, the interim guidance for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles identifies appropriate post-crash safety measures for vehicle owners and the general public, emergency responders, and for towing/recovery operators and vehicle storage facilities.
This interim guidance is intended to serve as a general reference for vehicle operators and responders. It was developed using current best practices and instructions from vehicle and battery manufacturers and others. It is not intended to replace information issued by the vehicle manufacturer, but rather to be used as a supplement to vehicle-specific guides.
NHTSA, together with the Department of Energy, is continuing to explore strategies to ensure that the public and responder community receive the best information in the shortest possible time. The agency hope that this guidance will help to inform activities to educate responders and the public about electric vehicles including efforts already underway by DOE, NFPA, vehicle manufacturers, and others.
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