What Happens to an EV in a Car Crash! - CleanTechnica

The article recounts a four-car pileup involving Ron Male’s BYD Seal electric vehicle (EV) and three petrol cars. Despite common fears, the BYD Seal did not catch fire, and the fire brigade successfully isolated the battery after some discussion and intervention by Ron, who turned off the vehicle and opened the bonnet to isolate the 84 kW battery. However, the fire brigade’s handling of the EV battery access was imperfect, as they damaged the rear seat lining instead of lifting the seat to reach the battery, highlighting a need for improved EV-specific training for emergency responders, especially focusing on common models like BYD and Tesla in Australia. The BYD Seal was the only car not written off, with the insurance company conducting thorough checks before repairs, and Ron praised the insurer’s communication and coverage. The article also addresses broader safety concerns related to EVs in crashes, noting that all EVs tested by ANCAP in recent years have received 5-star safety ratings, often outperforming internal