Moving Damaged Vehicles - Tow Truck Drivers; Electric And Hybrid Electric Vehicle Considerations - Ford Explorer 2020 Emergency Response Manual

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Section 5: Approaching a Damaged Electric Vehicle

Moving Damaged Vehicles - Tow Truck Drivers

NOTICE:
Do not attempt to pull / tow vehicle with all four wheels on the ground as this may cause the vehicle to generate electricity and can
cause potential damage.
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Disconnect the 12 volt battery terminals to isolate the HV system. For additional information, refer to High Voltage System Depower
procedures in this manual.
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Rather than attempt to discharge a High Voltage battery, an emergency responder, tow truck operator, or storage facility manager should
contact experts at the vehicle manufacturer.
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Operators of tow trucks and vehicle storage facilities should make sure the damaged vehicle is kept in an open area instead of inside a
garage or other enclosed building.
Follow the guidelines in the Wrecker Towing Guide:
If you detect leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, flames, increased temperature, gurgling, popping or hissing noises from the High Voltage
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battery compartment, ventilate the area and call 911.
Be alert. There is potential for delayed fire with damaged lithium-ion batteries.
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• Call an authorized Ford dealer or vehicle manufacturer representative, if necessary, to determine the additional steps to take to safely
recover or transport the vehicle.
• Always approach the vehicle from the sides to stay out of potential travel path. It may be difficult to determine if the vehicle is running due
to lack of engine noise.
• Place vehicle into park, set the parking brake, turn off the vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and remove the key fobs to a distance at
least 16 feet from the vehicle until loading the vehicle for transport.
• Refer to vehicle manual/recovery guide to locate proper attachment/connection points and transport method.
Avoid contact with orange High Voltage cabling and areas identified as High Voltage risk by warning labels.
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Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicle Considerations

In the event of damage to or fire involving an electric vehicle.
• Always assume the High Voltage battery and associated components are energized and fully charged.
• Exposed electrical components, wires, and High Voltage batteries present potential HV shock hazards.
• Venting/off-gassing High Voltage battery vapors are potentially toxic and flammable.
• Physical damage to the vehicle or High Voltage battery may result in immediate or delayed release of toxic and/or flammable gases and
fire.
2020 Explorer / Aviator Hybrid Vehicle Emergency Response Guide - 04/2019
Approaching a Damaged Electric Vehicle