Volvo gives Boston FD Electric Vehicle to Study EV Rescue Procedures

Volvo recently donated a fully-electric XC40 Recharge SUV to the Boston Fire Department in an effort to develop rescue procedures for accidents involving battery electric vehicles. Procedures for accidents involving internal combustion engines have already been established, but EVs present different challenges.

“As we continue to see the rise in all-electric vehicles on our roadways, it is important to give our first responders the tools they need to be able to perform their emergency procedures effectively and to keep everyone involved safe,” said Eric Miller, vice president of the Northeast Region for Volvo Car USA.

A top priority for first responders at a motor vehicle accident is to safely extract the vehicle occupants. With more electric vehicles on the road, first responders must adapt accordingly to the new challenges of accidents involving EVs. With different drivetrains, components and layouts than internal combustion engines, first responders must alter their extrication procedures for electric vehicles.

“Auto extrication comes with a multitude of potential hazards to the firefighters and the victims of vehicle accidents,” said Boston Fire Department Fire Commissioner Jack Dempsey. “Electric vehicles are a part of our future and this will help us prepare for those unfortunate incidents where these learned skills will save lives.”