Electric vehicles - safety check list
- For daily use, charge your vehicle to 80% - only charge it to 100% if it is needed for a long trip.
- After a journey, avoid charging your car immediately - allow time for the battery temperature to reduce.
- When charging, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use a charging point that is compatible with your make of car.
- If you wish to charge from a main 13A socket in your home including charging overnight, make sure you have your wiring checked before doing so to avoid any risk of fire.
- Remember to have your car regularly serviced and inspected by an EV specialist or car manufacturers dealership.
- Charge your car outdoors. If you charge in your garage make sure you have a smoke detector fitted.
- If you have a home charging point installed, make sure it is done by a qualified and competent person, and have any signs of damage or wear checked by them.
- Regularly check your charge point, cables and car manufacturers for any product recalls and safety notes.
- Never use a damaged charge point or cable. Report any damaged public points to the provider.
- If you have an accident or even a small 'bump' that causes minimal damage, have your vehicle battery checked by an EV specialist or car dealership because even the smallest dent to a battery pack can result in a battery fire.
- If your vehicle catches fire, call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service. Do not try to extinguish the fire yourself. The vapour cloud produced by an EV in thermal runaway is toxic and flammable and you could put yourself at significant risk. Because of the way these batteries burn, water will not put the fire out.
