If the electric vehicle is submerged or partially submerged in water, first pull the vehicle out of the water. Then cut off the high-voltage power of the high voltage battery.

Unless the vehicle is seriously damaged, there is no danger of electric shock when contacting the body or frame, whether in or out of the water. But before salvageing the vehicle, it is also necessary to ensure that there is no high-voltage before carrying out salvage operations to prevent electric shock.

Damaged high-voltage lithium-ion batteries may emit toxic gases, and the organic solvents used as electrolytes are flammable and corrosive. Therefore, emergency responders should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

If the battery catches fire, to minimise the risk of causing a surrounding fire, emergency responders should always ensure the accident vehicle is outdoors and away from other flammable objects.

Even after a lithium-ion battery fire has been extinguished, a new fire may occur or reoccur.

• To extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire, a large amount of continuous use of electrical fire extinguishers is required.
• Use a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires or apply water from a safe distance to control the fire. Do not use garden hoses or small water sources.
• Even though the visible flames have been extinguished, the vehicle may still reignite. Continue to use extinguishers or a large amount of water to cover and cool the vehicle for a period of time, and maintain monitoring to prevent re-ignition.