In Case of a High-Voltage Battery Thermal Event
The vehicle is equipped with a thermal event detection system to spot thermal events inside the high-voltage batteries.
Gas detection sensors that identify external off-gassing associated with high-voltage battery thermal events back-up this system. The gas detection sensors are always active, even when the vehicle is off. For more information, see the Combustible Gas Detection System section in this chapter.
The driver should be familiar with the vehicle warning systems in order to bring the vehicle to a safe stop or avoid starting the vehicle if a high-voltage thermal event is detected.
Danger: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized and DO NOT TOUCH any part of the vehicle. Doing so could result in severe personal injury or death.
Emergency responders should protect themselves with full personal protective equipment (PPE).
Warning: A damaged high voltage battery can create rapid heating of the battery cells.
If smoke is coming from a high voltage battery assume that it is heating. Leave the area. Avoid breathing in the smoke. Breathing in the smoke could result in severe personal injury.
Notice: If smoke or flames are coming from a high voltage battery, trained emergency responders should use large amounts of water to cool the battery.
Battery fires can take up to 24 hours to extinguish. Emergency responders should consider allowing the battery to burn in place.
Do not tow a vehicle until all fires have been extinguished and the high-voltage batteries are no longer giving off heat.
After a fire, do not store a towed vehicle indoors.
If a thermal event is detected inside a high-voltage battery when the vehicle is on, the following things will happen:
-
The red high-voltage battery thermal event telltale as shown in Fig. which appears in the dynamic telltale section of the driver display.
-
A red warning message as shown in Fig. which appears in the center of the driver display screen.
Fig. 1, High-Voltage Battery Thermal Event Telltale
Fig. 2, Thermal Event Warning Message
The warning message must be acknowledged before it will close.
The vehicle will continue to operate in the case of a thermal event occurring in only one battery pack. However, the driver is strongly advised to bring the vehicle to a safe stop, apply the park brake, turn the keyswitch to off, hit the eStop button, and exit the cab within five minutes of seeing the thermal popup warning. A failure resulting in a thermal event in one battery pack can spread to all packs.
If smoke or flames from the area of the batteries are visible, do not approach the batteries for any reason. Do not attempt to use a fire extinguisher or other methods to put the fire out. Move a safe distance from the vehicle, fifty to one hundred feet if possible, and upwind of any smoke. Then call emergency services.
A battery fire will produce a thick, dark smoke that can impair visibility. If possible, set out reflectors or flares to keep other people and vehicles at a safe distance and to guide them around the vehicle.