EV service disconnect procedure should be done when confronting EVs with questionable damage

Service disconnect will strand energy in the high voltage battery pack

Allow five minutes after executing the service disconnect for high voltage components to de-energize

In Tesla vehicles, the service disconnect procedure cuts the circuit to airbags

Use safe lift points for lifting EVs: HV lift points or exposed suspension under front wheels

Underbody side rails can be used as safe stabilization points, not as lift points

Keep away from orange labels, cables and brackets – even when HV is disabled

Always treat high voltage components as if they are energized

Li-ion HV battery fires have a 10% chance of reigniting within ~10 days; damaged HV battery pack should be monitored for no less than 45 minutes

Hissing, sputtering, whooshing or popping sounds could indicate thermal runaway. Be prepared to either cool the high voltage battery pack or position vehicle in a safe zone for burning

Low voltage batteries can be lead acid or li-ion. Both battery types can be jump started

2018+ Tesla vehicle front trunks can be opened by connecting electrical wires behind front tow eye cover to an external power source but a pry bar to break the latch is easiest in emergencies

Activating Transportation or Tow mode will allow EVs to free-wheel. Securing the driver’s side seat belt, reaching in to the vehicle and selecting drive will do the same as tow mode but also engage power steering

Tesla accident video stored on USB drive, either in glovebox or center console

li-ion batteries store energy as direct current. Risk of shock is low

Submerged EVs should be properly drained once removed from water by raising the front of vehicle until all trapped water flows out

Consult Emergency Response Guides (ERG) or EVsafe app for vehicle-specific details