Skip advert
Advertisement

New smartphone app makes electric car crash rescues safer

Euro NCAP first responder app shows emergency services the location of high-voltage batteries and cables

A new smartphone app by crash-test body Euro NCAP aims to make car accidents safer for emergency services and first responders by alerting them to the location of high-voltage batteries and wires - key components in electric cars that pose significant risks if cut improperly or damaged.

Car makers are already obliged to make ‘rescue sheets’ for their vehicles, indicating where firefighters should cut them if they need to remove a car’s roof, for example.

From this year, Euro NCAP is awarding points in its crash tests based on whether or not this information is “readily available”, a response to the fact that as cars become more complex, “knowing where it’s safe to cut a vehicle should extrication be required is increasingly challenging”.

The new smartphone app - dubbed Euro Rescue - goes some way to making life easier for emergency services by gathering these rescue sheets together in one resource, which can be accessed both on and offline. As well as telling fire crews where high-voltage EV components are, the app informs them where airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners are located on all cars, vital information given these safety features contain explosive materials.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The app is available to download for free for Android and Apple smartphones, and has been developed in conjunction with the International Association of Fire & Rescue Services. It is initially available in English, French, German and Spanish, with all European languages being covered from 2023.

Pierre Castaing, President of Euro NCAP said: “This Euro Rescue application, the result of joint work between manufacturers, fire and rescue services and Euro NCAP, is the first visible result of the progress that can be made in terms of tertiary safety; others are to come.”

Click below for our list of the best electric cars on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Should I buy an electric car? The pros and cons of owning an EV today
MINI Hatch - case study

Should I buy an electric car? The pros and cons of owning an EV today

Wondering if it’s worth buying an electric car? Here’s everything you need to know
Tips & advice
10 Jul 2024
Mercedes EQE review
Mercedes EQE 350 - front tracking

Mercedes EQE review

The Mercedes EQE is an all-electric E-Class alternative and offers enormous range and slick on-board tech
In-depth reviews
8 Jul 2024
New Citroen C3 priced from £17,790, with all-electric e-C3 just £4k more
Citroen e-C3 - full front

New Citroen C3 priced from £17,790, with all-electric e-C3 just £4k more

Citroen’s ambitious pricing confirmed, this is one of the UK’s most affordable electric cars
News
30 May 2024
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is £200,000 of electric opulence
Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV front 3/4

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is £200,000 of electric opulence

If a regular Mercedes EQS SUV isn’t flash enough, then Maybach might have the answer…
News
17 May 2024

Most Popular

New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range
Suzuki e Vitara reveal - front

New Suzuki e Vitara revealed: Japanese brand’s first EV only offers 248-mile range

The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV will be available with four-wheel drive, and should arrive next summer
News
4 Nov 2024
New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price
Vauxhall Mokka facelift - front static

New Vauxhall Mokka facelift takes the fight to the Ford Puma with £24k starting price

Vauxhall’s stylish small SUV has been given an interior makeover, bigger screens and a simplified engine line-up
News
6 Nov 2024
Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k
Dacia Spring Cargo - front static

Dacia Spring Cargo is a new city slicker electric van for only £13k

The commercial version of Dacia’s cut-price Spring EV ditches the back seats to increase cargo space
News
5 Nov 2024