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The number of full electric and hybrid electric vehicles is rapidly growing [1][2][3]. The new technologies accompanying this trend are increasingly becoming a focal point of interest for rescue services. There is much uncertainty about the right techniques to free trapped occupants after an accident. The same applies to vehicle fires. Can car fires involving vehicles with a lithium ion traction battery be handled in the same way as conventional vehicle fires? Is water the right extinguishing agent? Is there a risk of explosion? There are many unanswered questions surrounding the topic of electric vehicle safety. The lack of information is a breeding ground for rumours, misinformation and superficial knowledge. Discussions on various internet platforms further this trend. Tests were conducted on three lithium ion traction batteries, which were fuel-fired until burning on their own. The batteries were then extinguished with water, a surfactant and a gelling agent.

Further developments in automotive engineering and design contribute to vehicle safety. The increasing complexity of the systems complicates repair work. Faulty repairs can not only lead to malfunctions of the vehicle or components but also to vehicle fires. This paper presents some example cases of fire investigations directed at determining targeting to find out, whether the repair caused the fire or if other causes led to the ignition.

The demands made on motor vehicles have risen enormously over the past few years. These demands that have led the automotive engineers to develop entirely new concepts for safety, comfort, reliability and environmental compatibility. These changes have resulted in completely new vehicles which pose additional hazards to rescue service personnel in the case of a severe incident. DEKRA Accident Research analysed several vehicle fires to find out more about typical and specific risks. The paper sets out the dangers which exist, how the fire services can react to them and where improvements are required or possible.