Technical information

First aid & recovery of vehicles with high-voltage systems according
to the German Association of the Automotive Industry)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
.
Structure
1. Investigation / vehicle identification
2. Danger by electrical shock
3. Danger from HV battery pack
4. Chemical danger
5. Thermal danger (fire)
6. Electrical charging infrastructure
7. Vehicles in water
8. Towing away, recovery, transport, BMW breakdown assistance and safekeeping
9. Further information
.
.
1. Investigation / vehicle identification
1.1 How can I identify if the vehicle concerned has a high-voltage system?

The type designations on the rear of the vehicle, such as hybrid, eDrive or other labelling, e.g. on the front side
panel or similar may provide indication.

If the vehicle does not have any type of such designation, the following characteristics may indicate a vehicle
with HV system:

From January 2013 on, vehicle number plate requests for vehicles registered in Germany have been possible
for German emergency control centres to allow clear allocation with the corresponding emergency services
data sheet.
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2. Dangers of electric shock
2.1 Is there a danger of an electric shock after an accident if touching the vehicle or vehicle components?
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The danger of an electric shock is principally not present. However, this depends on the type of the accident.
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The vehicles are equipped with several, differing protective mechanisms.
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In case of doubt, the HV system of the vehicle can be deactivated manually where possible (see question 2.4).
.
2.2 Is it possible to identify whether the HV system has been switched off on an electric or hybrid car that has
been involved in an accident?
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Immediate display of the de-energisation of the system after an accident is not possible due to the variety of
potential damage scenarios.

In case of doubt, the HV system of the vehicle can be deactivated manually where possible (see question 2.4).
.
2.3 Is there any electrical hazard from a parked vehicle that has been involved in an accident (stationary crash)?

The high-voltage system of the vehicle can also be active during standstill (for example stationary cooling).

Airbag deployment will normally not occur for high-voltage vehicles that are involved in a "stationary crash".
Thus, the high-voltage system cannot be switched off by this either.

In the event of a serious accident, the vehicle's HV system must be deactivated (see emergency services data
sheet).

This applies for both, vehicles at an electrical charging station and parked vehicles that are not connected to a
charging station.
.
- Electrical charging socket
- Orange coloured high-voltage cables
- Warning sticker on electrical HV components
- Charge indicator in the instrument cluster
- Identification on the instrument panel
- No exhaust system
However, if this sort of identification is not present, it does not indicate that the vehicle
does not have a HV system
- The HV system is designed to be touch-protected.
- The HV system is fully electrically insulated from the vehicle body (galvanic/electrical isolation).
- In the event of a serious accident with airbag deployment, the HV system on most vehicles is
switched off. Alternatively, comparable protection mechanisms are fitted. (for details see vehicle-
specific emergency services data sheet)
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