With motor vehicles becoming more electrified, fire and rescue departments have had to take into consideration the new issues of high-voltage equipment in the vehicles. Unlike the 12V battery that has been in cars for decades – mainly to provide electricity to turn the starter motor – the electrical systems in electric vehicles (EVs) run from 200V to 800V.

If the vehicle is involved in an accident and cables are disconnected or damaged, there is a danger of electricity leakage onto the bodywork. For this reason, the new generation of hybrid rallycars have warning lights to alert rescuers and spectators of any electrical danger if the car crashes. Latest regulations even require the crew to have available Class-0 gloves carried capable of withstanding 1,000 volts.