When electric vehicles catch fire, the aftermath can pose a significant risk for firefighters and towing services. After it appears the fire is extinguished, lithium-ion batteries can reignite. When safely removing a vehicle, it is important to first cool the batteries. But how?
Recognizing this risk and the need for a solution, our colleagues at Vetter in Zulpich, Germany, developed the Vetter E-Vehicle Isolation System (EIS).
“EIS is gaining a lot of interest. How to contain and transport extinguished electric vehicles is heavily discussed by the towing industry and fire brigades right now,”
Vetter Marketing Product Manager Simona Schweiger said.
Here’s how it works…
Packing Up the Vehicle
After extinguishing the fire, the electric vehicle is raised with lift pads, supporting materials or a crane, and the EIS is positioned under the vehicle. The electric vehicle is lowered and the lifting straps, which will be required for lifting it later, are fitted.
Various lashing straps are now used to attach the EIS to the vehicle. The straps ensure that the tarpaulin is fitted securely and is adjusted to the contours of the vehicle. This reduces the water consumption to a minimum.
Flooding & Cooling the Battery
The water supply is then connected to the upper hose connection and the water level gauge to the lower connection. Then the EIS is flooded until the vehicle’s battery unit is under water. The water level gauge provides information about the water level in the EIS. After the car has been filled sufficiently, the water supply is turned off.
Transporting & Storing the Vehicle
After reaching the storage site, the electric vehicle, wrapped up in the EIS system, can be stored in the open air or in a hall with an appropriate ventilation system. The EIS filled with water should be stored for at least 72 hours to prevent the lithium-ion batteries from self-igniting. With the help of the intelligent water level gauge, it is possible to check the current water level at any time and top up the water if necessary.
Storing & Reusing the EIS
The EIS can be used multiple times. After it has been checked and cleaned, it can simply be folded up and stowed away in the emergency vehicle. When the fire brigade or towing services are once more called out to a fire, the E-Vehicle Isolation System is ready for use again.