Safety precautions for electric vehicle
If an accident occurs
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wheel dollies
If towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorised 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 bag
If your vehicle is equipped with side and curtain air bag, set the vehicle to ACC position when the vehicle is being towed. The side and curtain air bag 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 tyres on the ground. For more details, refer to More Details.
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If the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) does not release normally, we recommend taking your vehicle to an authorised Kia dealer/service partner 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 tyres 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.
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 bonnet (
).
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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 a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.
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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 vehicle
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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 authorised Kia dealer/service partner and remove the HV battery before 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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Do not touch the wires if electric wires are exposed from inside or outside the vehicle. Also, do not touch the high voltage electric wire (orange), connector, or any 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 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 have doctors inspect it as soon as possible.
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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 in the early stage, maintain a safe distance away from the vehicle and immediately call your local fire emergency responders. Also, advise them that an electric vehicle is involved.
Also, 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.
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If you cannot put out the fire immediately, the high voltage battery may explode. Evacuate to a safe place, and 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 authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
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If you tow the vehicle whilst the front wheels are touching the ground, the vehicle motor may generate electricity, resulting in motor components being damaged or a fire.
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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 when towing the vehicle.
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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 power 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 not starting the vehicle.
Use, remodel, or install only Kia Genuine Parts or those of an equivalent standard. If not, this may damage the power electric system.
Putting excessive force on the switch lever whilst shutting down the high voltage battery may severely damage the high voltage cut-off switch.