How EVs Impact the Towing Industry

The dawn of electric vehicles (EVs) heralds a transformative chapter in transportation, yet it also brings forth distinct safety considerations and challenges for tow truck operators entrusted with the care of these state-of-the-art vehicles. As the prevalence of EVs steadily rises on our roads, it becomes an undeniable reality that all sectors of the towing industry must confront. Thus, it falls upon owners and managers of towing companies to grasp how EVs impact the towing industry and embrace the requisite safety protocols with vigilance and foresight.

Understanding the Ways EVs Impact the Towing Industry with New Risks

Foremost among these concerns is the risk of electric shock. EVs house high-voltage electrical systems, ranging from 300 to 800 volts, posing a grave danger to tow truck operators if mishandled. Rigorous training is imperative to identify and deactivate the correct high-voltage disconnect points on each EV model, mitigating the potential for accidental contact with live electrical components and averting catastrophic consequences.

Beyond electric shock, another way EVs impact the towing industry is through the threat of thermal runaway. EV lithium-ion battery packs are susceptible to this phenomenon, wherein a chain reaction can lead to battery ignition and reignition, even after initial fire suppression efforts. Tow truck operators must recognize the telltale signs of thermal runaway and take swift, decisive action to quell the risk, minimizing the threat of fire during towing and transport.

Compounding these challenges is stranded energy, a lingering menace even after an EV has been involved in a collision or fire. Significant amounts of energy can remain trapped within the battery pack, potentially sparking reignition events days or weeks later. Adhering to manufacturer-recommended protocols for handling and storage is paramount, requiring vigilance and expertise from tow truck operators to safely manage damaged EVs and avert further hazards.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Towing companies are adapting to the EVs and their risks by investing in new equipment, training, and safety protocols to handle these unique vehicles. Some of the key ways they are adapting include:

• Acquiring specialized gear like $800 fire-resistant blankets to cover EVs and prevent potential battery fires during towing. Tow truck operators must be trained to identify and handle these vehicles correctly, including locating the correct disconnect points to deactivate the electrical systems.
• Investing in remote-controlled tow trucks designed to handle the unique characteristics of low-clearance EVs without damaging the battery pack or other components. Some towing companies reported spending $10-12,000 on new equipment and process changes to service EVs.
• Creating isolation storage areas using concrete blocks to safely store EVs determined to be at risk of reigniting after a fire or accident. Thermal cameras are also being used to monitor these vehicles.
• Researching each EV model on the spot to determine the proper handling procedures, as there is a lack of standardization across models. Safety is a paramount concern when towing EVs due to the high-voltage battery system.
• Adapting their towing process to include extra inspection steps involving the Energy Security Agency (ESA) to ensure EVs are handled safely.

Despite the challenges, towing companies see the opportunity to provide specialized services and equipment to differentiate themselves in the market as EV adoption continues to grow. However, they acknowledge that more research and development is still needed for a perfect solution that works 100% of the time.

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