Electric Car Fires and Investigation

A relatively new problem in the fire service and for investigators is the electric vehicle. This course will give a detailed familiarization of electric and hybrid vehicles and necessary safety procedures and concerns for Firefighters and Investigators.

Upon successful completion of this lesson, the student will be able to:

• Recognize the difference between an Electric Vehicle and a Hybrid Vehicle
• Know the basic parts of EV's
• Determine how they work and what the basic system or circuit looks like
• Understand the different types of batteries found in these vehicles
• Know the scope of the future problem represented by the number of these vehicles
• Understand the storage problem posed by lithium-ion batteries
• Define the term "Thermal Runaway"; Determine safe methods for extinguishing EV fires
• Understand that due to the rapid changes occurring in technology, safety challenges will continuously evolve
• Be familiar with the Interim safety guidelines
• Know that High Voltage Cables should not be cut and HV battery should not be tampered with
• Understand what caused the recall of the Chevy Volt
• Define what a Lithium-ion battery is made of and some basics of how it works

If you are renewing a Fire Safety Inspector 1, Instructor 1, 2 or 3 certification with the Florida State Fire College and need to have your successful completion of the course submitted into FC DICE, please forward your FC DICE Student ID # to Bain.Gabrielle@spcollege.edu once you have completed your registration.