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Emergency Response Approaches For Electric & Hybrid Vehicles in Türkiye

method by using thermocouple due to thermal resistance between the
measurement points or that the measured temperature value may be lower
than it is. In this regard, it should be considered that possible inaccurate
measurement results may be obtained. If possible, the use of both methods
together will be beneficial for obtaining more effective results.
Recommended Approaches to be Applied by Emergency Response Teams
After any accidents involving electric & hybrid vehicles, a high voltage
propulsion battery having a possible damage is basically the source of main
danger, however, final status of batteries cannot be determined in a safe way
since the emergency response teams do not have direct access to the real data
over the battery (offering a battery management system) (Wöhrl et al., 2020).
Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the condition of the batteries correctly after
the accident, to obtain some basic aspects by observation or measurement. In
this context, it is recommended to apply the following methods.
In the event of an accident involving electric & hybrid vehicles, it is very critical
to conduct, at first, the reconnaissance and assessment on the situation at the site.
Emergency response teams should visually inspect the vehicle as soon as they
reach the site of the accident. The main issue here is to determine whether the
vehicle involved in the accident is an electric/hybrid vehicle or not. It is necessary
to take different precautions for internal combustion engine vehicles and electric
& hybrid vehicles that are crashed, for this reason, it is very critical to determine
the type of vehicle at the site of the accident. The emblems on the exterior
part of the vehicle are the primary visual elements while it may be possible that
these emblems often become unidentified or removed as a result of the crash.
Therefore, it is necessary to examine the vehicle thoroughly from all sides and, if
possible, to consider the visual elements under the hood and inside the vehicle.
High voltage warning labels, brand/model of the vehicle, plug socket, absence
of an exhaust system, images on the display panel specific to electric & hybrid
vehicles or orange high voltage cables can be regarded as the most distinctive
features for electric & hybrid vehicles (Staatliche, 2017). In addition, it is known
that some countries in Europe, within the framework of the relevant laws, offer
non-mandatory approaches to the use of the “E” letter on the number plates
for electric vehicles.
Before the interventions to be made at the site of the accident, the vehicle
must be fixed in such a way that it cannot move. After taking the necessary
precautions against motion, fire fighting activities should be initiated.
Then, chemical leakage and electrical systems should be checked. It will be
appropriate for emergency response teams to proceed to rescue operations
after the risks have been eliminated.

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