FERG - Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Question 1

FERG
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Actions

Answer 1

*Power to an electric/hybrid vehicle may still be on. The following steps need to be actioned:
- Approach from the side
- Chock the wheels
- Apply park brake
- Place transmission in park
- Stabilise the vehicle if not on four wheels
* Disable/isolate ignition/ready system by:
** Checking if ‘ready’ indicator in the instrument cluster is on or off (if fitted)
** Pushing the power button or turning ignition key off. Remove the key and place it in a safe place (5m from car). Smart keys may be in a location other than the dashboard.
** Isolate the high voltage system via isolation points which are located under the bonnet or within the boot. These may appear as a clearly labelled fuse. In some instances this may require a double cut through the first responder loop (green dash lines) or pull fuse handle that is part of the orange HV circuit.
NOTE: HV system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after vehicle is shut off and disabled
NOTE: For some Hybrid vehicles disconnecting 12 volt auxiliary battery may be the only means of isolating the HV Battery pack

• Turn AC off before disconnecting 12V battery. In some models, failure to do this will result in power feeding back through the AC keeping the drive system active
• Check manufacturer’s manual for battery location and instructions
• Disconnect the 12V auxiliary battery and remove the Hybrid Electric Vehicle fuse (20A Yellow) or insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGCT) relay in the engine compartment (if power button or ignition key is inaccessible). If the correct fuse cannot be recognised, pull all fuses in the fuse box.
  NOTE: After disabling the HV battery pack, power is maintained for 90 seconds in the airbags and up to 10 minutes in the HV Electrical System.
• If neither of the disabling steps above can be performed, there is no assurance that the HV electrical system, airbags, or fuel pump is disabled proceed with caution:
  *Never touch, cut or open any orange HV power cable or HV component
• Do not cut, fold or remove roof for non-deployed side-curtain airbags.
• Divert contaminated runoff from entering drains

Question 2

FERG
Hybrid/Electric Vehicles
Car Fire, Battery not involved

Answer 2

• Refer to normal car fire procedures
• After fire is extinguished, remain on scene and continue to cool HV battery pack. Check HV battery pack with TIC to ensure readings are low
• Do not release vehicle to second responders (VicPol, towing personnel) until there has been no heating detected for one hour

Question 3

FERG
Electric/Hybrid Vehicles
HV Battery pack fire

Answer 3

• Unless extenuating circumstances use defensive firefighting tactics, protect exposures and allow the battery to burn out rather than attempt to extinguish it. The reasons for this are:
• It is nearly impossible to direct enough water directly onto batteries as they are encased in a protective shell
• If the battery pack is left to burn out concerns regarding hazmat properties of the residual electrolyte will be negated
• If smoke is impacting community, contact MFB Ops Commander or CFA RDO regarding community warning
• In the event of extenuating circumstances, copious amounts of water applied directly to the HV Battery pack is necessary to extinguish
• Use of TIC to determine if the battery pack is cooled down (where the battery pack can be accessed visually)

*important note: In all cases, always advise other agencies that there is a risk of battery re-ignition, up to 24 hours after. Advise VicPol OIC that vehicle must be stored in open area.

Question 4

• exam question

FERG
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Actions

What to do if the correct fuse cannot be identified when isolating a hybrid vehicle?

Answer 4

Pull all fuses in the fuse box.

Question 5

• exam question

FERG
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Actions

How long is power maintained to the airbags post isolation in a hybrid vehicle?

Answer 5

90 seconds.