April 18, 2012—Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday released the recommended handling and storage procedures for its electric and hybrid-electric vehicles that are equipped with high-voltage batteries.
Ford’s recommended electric vehicle procedures include proper shutdown processes, how to disable the high-voltage system, how to safely transport the vehicle, and best practices for storage. The company also released information for drivers regarding how to safely handle their electric vehicles during and after a collision.
Ford highlighted the following concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries when electric vehicles are involved in serious collisions:
• High-voltage batteries and associated components can remain energized and fully charged.
• Exposed electrical components, wires and high-voltage batteries present potential shock hazards.
• Venting or off-gassing battery vapors are potentially toxic and flammable.
• Physical damage to electric vehicles or batteries may result in the release of toxic or flammable gases and fire.
Larry Coan, damageability product concern engineer for Ford’s service engineering operations, said the 2012 Ford Focus BEV will soon be available for consumer purchase. “We wanted to make the industry aware of some high-voltage battery handling instructions in the event that a vehicle is involved in a significant collision with the possibility of damage to the battery.”
