Recovery systems for electric cars

Recovery systems for electric cars: safety solutions in the event of an accident

Due to their special design and their special components, especially the high-voltage batteries, electric cars place special demands on recovery and safety measures in the event of an accident. Various recovery systems have been developed to meet these requirements.

Why do you need special recovery systems for electric cars?

The high-voltage batteries in electric cars can be damaged in accidents and pose an increased risk of fire. A fire in such a battery can be very intense and is often difficult to extinguish using conventional methods (details on this topic can also be found here: Extinguishing fires in electric cars). For this reason, special recovery systems have been developed to minimize the risks and enable safe handling by professional service providers who can use these recovery systems after an accident involving an electric car.

What different systems are there?

Two common methods for the safe recovery of electric cars are immersion in special containers and the use of special recovery e-bags:

1. Flooded containers: in this method, the e-car is moved into a special container which is then filled with water. The immersion cools the battery and extinguishes a possible fire or prevents it from starting.
2. Recover e-bags: These specially developed recovery systems are an alternative to containers. They can be placed around the vehicle and enclose it securely to extinguish a fire or prevent it from spreading. The main advantage of these systems over flooded containers is that they can be used flexibly and the damaged electric cars can be transported in the recover e-bags. They are also considerably cheaper than the containers.

For which users are the recovery systems suitable?

The recovery systems mentioned are primarily designed for professional recovery and rescue services that have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle damaged electric cars safely. However, fire departments and emergency services can also benefit from these systems, as they are often the first on the scene and need to react quickly to ensure safety.

Comparison of recovery systems for electric cars: flooded containers vs. recover e-bags

Containers flooded with water

The advantages of flooded containers

• Effective cooling: By completely immersing the battery in water, highly effective cooling is achieved, which can quickly extinguish a fire or prevent it from starting.
• Complete insulation: A flooded container completely isolates the vehicle from its surroundings, preventing the spread of fire or smoke.

The disadvantages of flooded containers

• Transportation effort: Special equipment and a considerable amount of time is required to transport the vehicle into the container.
• Water consumption: Filling the container requires large amounts of water, which can be problematic in some situations.

Recover e-bags

The advantages of Recover-E-Bags

• Ease of use: Recover-E-Bags can be easily placed around the vehicle and do not require additional transportation of the vehicle.
• Versatility: They can be supplied in different sizes, making them suitable for a variety of vehicle types.

The disadvantages of Recover e-bags

• Less effective cooling: Compared to fully immersing the battery in water, Recover e-bags provide less effective cooling, which in some cases can increase the risk of fire.
• Possible incomplete insulation: Depending on the situation and application, it may be difficult to fully enclose the vehicle with the Recover e-bags, which could allow fire or smoke to spread.
• Time limitation: Some Recover-E-Bags can only be used for a limited period of time, i.e. damaged electric cars may only remain in the Recover-E-Bags for a limited period of time (e.g. 72 hours).