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Safety precautions for electric vehicle

If an accident occurs

If emergency towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorized Kia dealer or a commercial towtruck service.

  1. Dollies

  • The best way to towing is the loading towing. It must be towed with a wheel lift and flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground.

  • If it is not available, place the front wheels or the rear wheels on a jig, lift the other wheels off the ground and tow the vehicle by using the dolly (1).

  • This must be done by an authorized Kia dealer/service partner, or specialized towing businesses.

CAUTION

When towing the vehicle, the vehicle should never be towed with the driven wheels on the ground.

CAUTION

  • The AWD vehicle should never be towed with the wheels on the ground. This can cause serious damage to the vehicle or the AWD system.

  • The AWD vehicle should never be towed with the wheels on the ground. This can cause serious damage to the vehicle or the AWD system.

  • Do not tow the vehicle forwards with the rear wheels on the ground as this may cause damage to the vehicle.

  • Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment.

  • If you tow it by the suspension binding method, it may damage the bumper and lower parts.

  • Do not tow the vehicle forward with the driven wheels on the ground. This may cause damage to the vehicle.

  • When towing the vehicle, be aware of the damages to the bumper and lower parts.

Service interlock connector

The service interlock connector, located within the motor compartment, is a safety device that disables the high voltage of the battery. It's for vehicle inspections at a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

To access the service interlock connector, open the hood, and remove the motor compartment fuse panel ().

WARNING

  • Avoid contacting the service interlock connector to prevent severe injury or death from electric shock.

  • If you need to inspect or maintain the service interlock connector, have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Only disconnect or tamper with the service interlock connector in an emergency, as it may cause significant vehicle issues such as failure to start.

Other precautions for electric vehicle

  • When you paint, apply heat treatment to the vehicle as a result of an accident, and/or weld on the vehicle, the performance of the high voltage battery can be reduced. If heat treatment is required, have the vehicle inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner. and have the HV battery removed, prior to any repairs.

WARNING

  • When a vehicle accident occurs, move the vehicle to a safe place, turn off the vehicle and remove the auxiliary battery (12 V) terminal to prevent high voltage electricity from flowing.

  • If electric wires are exposed from inside or outside the vehicle, do not touch the wires. Also, do not touch the high voltage electric wire (orange), connector, or any of the electric components and devices. This may cause electric shock and lead to injuries.

  • When a vehicle accident occurs and the high voltage battery is damaged, harmful gas and electrolytes may leak. Be careful not to touch the leaked liquid.

    When you suspect leakage of inflammable gas and other harmful gases, open the windows and evacuate to a safe place. If any leaked fluid comes in contact with your eyes or skin, immediately clean the affected area thoroughly with tap water or saline solution and Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

  • If a small scale fire occurs, use a fire extinguisher (ABC, BC) that is meant for electrical fires. If it is impossible to extinguish the fire quickly, maintain a safe distance away from the vehicle and immediately call your local fire emergency responders.

    And, advise them that an electric vehicle is involved.

    If the fire spreads to the high voltage battery, large amounts of water are needed to put out the fire. Using small amounts of water or fire extinguishers not meant for electrical fires could cause serious injury or death from electrical shocks.

  • If you cannot put out the fire quickly, the high voltage battery may explode. Evacuate to a safe place and do not let other people approach the site.

    Contact the fire department and notify them of an electric vehicle fire.

    If the vehicle is flooded with water, immediately turn off the vehicle and evacuate to a safe place. Contact the fire department or professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Do not tow the vehicle with the rear and front (2WD : rear) wheels on the ground as this may cause damage to the propulsion system of vehicle.

  • When a vehicle fire occurs due to the battery, there is a risk of a second fire. Contact your local fire emergency responders when towing the vehicle.

  • When you clean the motor compartment, do not use high pressure water to wash. This may cause an electric shock due to a discharge in high voltage electricity, or damage the vehicle's electric system.

  • Never disconnect the high voltage cut-off switch except in an emergency situation. Serious problems may occur, such as the vehicle will not start.

CAUTION

  • Do not use, remodel, or install non-genuine parts. This may damage the electric power system.

  • The AWD vehicle should never be towed with the wheels on the ground. This can cause serious damage to the reduction gear or the AWD system.

NOTICE

Putting the excessive force to the switch lever while shutting down the high voltage battery may severely damage the high voltage cut-off switch.