Safety precautions for electric vehicle
If an accident occurs
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wheel dollies
If towing is necessary, have it done by authorized Kia dealer or a commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. The use of wheel dollies (1) or flatbed is recommended.
Side and curtain air bags
If your vehicle is equipped with side and curtain air bags, set the vehicle to ACC position when the vehicle is being towed. Side or curtain air bags may deploy when the vehicle is in ON position and the rollover sensor detects the situation as a rollover.
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Shift to N (Neutral) to tow a vehicle with the tires on the ground. For more details, refer to More Details.
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If the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) does not release normally, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer by loading the vehicle on a flatbed tow truck and have the system checked.
When flatbed is unavailable
2-wheel drive vehicle can be towed with the opposite tires on the ground (without dollies) and parking brake released before turning off the vehicle.
If you must tow the vehicle using only two wheels, lift the driven wheels off the ground and tow the vehicle.
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If any of the loaded wheels or suspension components are damaged or the vehicle is being towed with the driven wheels on the ground, use a towing dolly under the driven wheels.
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Do not tow with sling-type equipment. Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment.
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Do not tow the vehicle backwards with the driven wheels on the ground as this may cause damage to the vehicle.
High voltage cut-off switch
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 an authorized Kia dealer.
To access the service interlock connector, open the hood, and remove the motor compartment fuse panel (
).
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Avoid contacting the service interlock connector to prevent severe injury or death from electric shock.
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If you need to inspect or maintain the service interlock connector, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
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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 vehicles
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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 serviced by an authorized Kia dealer and have the HV battery removed prior to any repairs.
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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.
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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.
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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 flammable 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.
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If a small scale fire occurs, use a fire extinguisher (ABC, BC) that intended 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.
Be sure to advise them that an electric vehicle is involved.
If the fire spreads to the high voltage battery, large amounts of water will be 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.
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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 an authorized Kia dealer.
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If you tow the vehicle while the driven wheels are touching the ground, the vehicle motor may generate electricity and the motor components may be damaged or a fire may occur.
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When a vehicle fire occurs due to the battery, there is a risk of a second fire. Contact your local fire emergency responders and advise them an electric vehicle is involved.
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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.
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Never disconnect the high voltage cut-off switch except in an emergency situation. Serious problems may occur, such as the vehicle will not start.
Use, remodel, or install only Kia Genuine Parts or those of an equivalent standard. If not, this may damage the electric power system.
Putting the excessive force to the switch lever while shutting down the high voltage battery may severely damage the high voltage cut-off switch.