Building safe areas for damaged Electric Vehicle (EV) storage

The sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have increased year on year since their introduction into the UK.

However, so has the need for being able to safely repair or store a damaged vehicle.

With this in mind, the Government has issued guidance to all stakeholders involved, including car repair centres, car dealerships, scrapyards, recycling plants and car auctions, which outlines best practice on high voltage (HV) systems used within electric vehicles that can pose different hazards to those working on these vehicles.

Damaged electric vehicle (EV) storage

Electric vehicles that sustain minor accidents are being kept 15 meters apart in repair garages over fears that they may explode, meaning just two damaged electric cars are taking the same space as 100 petrol or diesel cars, under current DVLA and Transport Department guidelines.

The Department of Transport has found that fires can reignite within hours or even days following an accident. It, therefore, advises technicians to isolate the HV system by disconnecting the low voltage system and removing the HV system manual service disconnect.

EVs with a suspected damaged HV system should be stored in an outside quarantine area, where the vehicle will be monitored for up to 48 hours after an incident. Where the HV battery temperature does not drop to an ambient temperature, the Government advises to leave the vehicle until its safe, as electric vehicles have been known to ignite up to two weeks after an accident.

Interlocking block quarantine bays

Building an outdoor EV quarantine area using interlocking concrete blocks couldn’t be simpler.

First stakeholders must ensure that the interlocking blocks fall within Class A1 of Fire Classification EN 13501-1, such as those manufactured by Elite Precast Concrete, which means they are non-combustible.

Our concrete blocks do not burn, crack, or give off noxious fumes regardless of the intensity of the fire or time spent being exposed to the fire. This means that those outside the quarantined area are safe and that any fires are kept within the containment area.

Having been previously supplied as fire break walls, as part of Fire Prevention Plans, the blocks are quick and easy to install. They are available ex-stock or can be delivered within days of ordering, meaning that the guidance from the Government can be put into place quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption.

Making life easy for you

Want to know more, please speak to our sales team on 01952 588885, who can advise you on what you need to know, including block sizes and weights, who can install them for you, should you not want to do it yourself and how payment can be made, including financial packages, if required or email sales@eliteprecast.co.uk for more information.

For more information on Building safe areas for damaged Electric Vehicle (EV) storage talk to Elite Precast Concrete Ltd