DUBAI // Legislation to promote the use of electric cars on UAE roads has prompted Dubai Police to prepare rescue teams to safely handle the vehicles when they are involved in road accidents.
“We already have safety equipment to take care of hybrid and electric cars and we will increase it,” said Maj Gen Anas Al Matroushi, director of the transport and rescue department.
“We refresh and upgrade training for rescuers so they know how to deal with these new cars in accidents,” he said.
There are more than 160 hybrid taxis on Dubai’s roads, with the number set to be 200 by the end of the year.
The first hybrids were introduced two years ago and Dubai Police plans to add environmentally friendly vehicles to its fleet of luxury patrol cars, which includes the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid.
For rescue teams, identifying the type of car involved in an accident and engaging shut down procedures is vital.
“Our rescuers know they must first check the kind of car, switch off the battery, check the voltage, make sure there is no electric current and not cut high voltage cables,” said Maj Gen Al Matroushi. “Most important, they have to warn people not to touch or move the car or break doors.
“There is high voltage and so they must disable the system.”
Comprehensive safety procedures drawn up by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology for electric cars are to come into effect next month.
While statistics are not available on the number of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country, their use is part of a federal plan to encourage the use of green cars.
“How to deal with these cars, what is the requirement for personnel working on the cars, all this is tackled for a standard procedure in case of emergency,” said Abdulla Al Maeeni, director general of Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology.
“It will be an overall safety scheme unified for the entire country and include safety procedures in charging stations.”
The rules will synchronise with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority plans to roll out 100 charging stations by next month in malls, airports, government offices and near residential communities.
Safety procedures will cover action to be taken depending on whether the accident impact occurs in the front, back or side of the vehicle.
“Ensuring safety is part of making electric cars user-friendly,” said Mohammed bin Sulayem, president of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE.
rtalwar@thenational.ae
