Electric vehicles tamed
11 May 2021 (update 11 June 2021)
From 1 June 2021 there is scheme aimed at dealing responsibly with the aftermath of accidents with electric vehicles ("e-vehicles") on the primary road network. In the event of collisions causing substantial damage, the batteries fitted in electric vehicles may ignite spontaneously. These fires produce a lot of toxic fumes and, more to the point, are difficult to extinguish. In order to manage the risks associated with recovering vehicles of this type a method that is geared to guaranteeing safe recovery has been developed. This approach has been set out by Stichting IMN in an addendum to the Recovery Agreement 2019-2022. Autohulpdienst Ben Heiltjes in Cuijk was the first IM recovery operator to sign this addendum, doing so on 6 May 2021. 48 other recovery companies have now followed that example. Together they have access to 26 salvage containers.
De Moor Autoberging makes an overheated Tesla safe in a savage container on 31 December 2020 on the premises of IM recovery operator Van Eijck in Roosendaal
The addendum stipulates the use of a so-called salvage container when recovering seriously damaged e-vehicles. This is an open steel container that allows safe removal and storage of the damaged vehicle. The salvage container is watertight, so it can be used when extinguishing a vehicle battery fire that breaks out spontaneously. The addendum also demands that damaged electric vehicles are safely garaged, for instance between concrete walls or in a container. Finally, the addendum specifies that recovery vehicle drivers must be trained to perform vehicle rescue operations on e-vehicles responsibly.
Locations of the salvage containers registered with Stichting Incident Management Nederland