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NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Module I : INTRODUCTION Module I : INTRODUCTION 1-2

NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS To prepare first responders to be able to operate safely at incidents involving hybrid electric (HEV), plug- in hybrid electric (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV). 1-3 Course Goal

NFPA ELECTRIC VEHICLE SAFETY FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS Module I: Introduction Module II: Basic Electrical Concepts and Hazards Module III: Vehicle Systems and Safety Features Module IV: Initial Response: Identify, Immobilize and Disable Module V: Emergency Operations Module VI: Conclusion 1-4 Course Modules

? 1-5 Why is this course important to you as an emergency responder?

1-6 How familiar are you with hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles?

Differentiate between myths and reality. Terminal Objective ● Define HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and EV (electric vehicle). ● List common myths related to EV safety. ● List two (2) actual safety concerns. Enabling Objectives 1-7 Module 1 Objectives

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Hybrid and Electric Vehicles are just another fad… Myth or Reality? 1-8 MYTH

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Hybrid and Electric Vehicles are just another fad… 1-9 ●HEV/EVs are growing in popularity. ●They are proven reliable. ●Goal is 1 million EVs on the road by ●Interest is at an all time high.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? Hybrid and electric vehicles may move unexpectedly at an emergency scene Reality

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Hybrid and electric vehicles may move unexpectedly at an emergency scene ●Unexpected movement is always a concern with electric and conventional vehicles. ●Unlike conventional vehicles, Hybrid and Electric vehicles may not produce engine noise, but could move silently without warning on their own power.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? At first glance, it may be difficult to distinguish between a conventional vehicle and a hybrid or electric vehicle of the same model Reality

Hybrid Electric Vehicle At first glance, it may be difficult to distinguish between a conventional vehicle and a hybrid or electric vehicle of the same model ●Most look like conventionally powered models. ●Responders will need to recognize special features and markings that identify hybrid and electric vehicles.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? Special equipment is needed for hybrid and electric vehicle fires MYTH

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Special equipment is needed for hybrid and electric vehicle fires Typical fire fighting equipment can be used to extinguish fires in these vehicles, but you may need to adjust your tactics.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? Extrication from these vehicles will be greatly hampered by high voltage cabling MYTH

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Extrication from these vehicles will be greatly hampered by high voltage cabling ●High voltage cabling generally will NOT impede operations. ●Not usually placed in common cut points. ●Commonly runs under floor.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? Batteries will leak a significant amount of electrolyte if damaged or breached MYTH

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Batteries will leak a significant amount of electrolyte if damaged or breached ●Batteries are in protective cases. ●If case is breached, batteries will NOT leak a significant amount of electrolyte. ●NiMH and Li-Ion are dry cell batteries, and may produce a few drops per cell if crushed. Some models may leak coolant. This should not be confused with electrolyte.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Myth or Reality? Electrocution is likely from touching a hybrid or electric vehicle involved in a crash or submerged in water MYTH

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Electrocution is likely from touching a hybrid or electric vehicle involved in a crash or submerged in water ●The high voltage systems are designed to prevent electrical hazards after a crash. ●High voltage systems are isolated from the vehicle chassis. ●They have integrated safety systems. Despite safety features, the potential hazards of the high voltage systems require use of correct procedures.

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1-23 ●There are many myths about the risks posed by hybrid and electric vehicles. ●The reality is that there are numerous safety systems to protect responders. ●As always, the key to your safety is proper training. Myths versus Realities

HEV Hybrid Electric Vehicle A vehicle that has both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor(s). PHEV Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle A vehicle that has both an ICE and electric motors, and can recharge its batteries to full charge from an external electric power source. EV Electric Vehicle A vehicle which uses only electric motor(s) for propulsion Definitions

History of EVs and HEVs First crude electric vehicles to % of all cars manufactured were electric GM built a few thousand electric vehicles for lease. Program cancelled in to 2000 Tesla Roadster released Porsche builds first hybrid Prototype hybrid Buick Skylark. 1974

Hybrid Electric Vehicle % Growth in HEV Sales in 9 Years 5,000Over 250,

Percentage of 2010 Hybrid Sales by Model Honda Insight Lexus RX450h Ford Fusion Toyota Camry Lexus HS 250h Toyota Highlander Honda Civic Ford Escape Toyota Prius Honda CRZ All others (20 models) 1-27

From this point on in the course, we will refer to all types of Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids collectively as P/HEVs. In some instances, they may need to be referenced separately, in which case, they will be referred to as Hybrid (HEV) or Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) respectively Terminology Electric Vehicles will be referred to as EVs.

● Overview of Course ● Myths versus Reality ● Definitions ● Timeline of P/HEVs and EVs ● Growth in Numbers 1-29 Module Summary