EV and hybrid owners

Plain guides for electric and hybrid car owners, including floods and crashes

Electric and hybrid cars have high voltage batteries that need special care. This page brings together our guides for owners on everyday safety, jump starting, buying a used EV, and what to do after a flood or crash.

Use the On this page menu to jump to a topic. If an EV battery smokes, hisses or catches fire, get everyone away from the car and call 911.

Everyday ownership

Learn the basics of living with a high voltage battery, how to jump start a hybrid safely and what to check before you buy a used EV.

Start hereElectric and hybrid vehicle safety: a practical guide for familiesHow to charge safely, spot battery warning signs and act after a crash or floodRead the guideJump starters and jumper cables: choose and use them safely, even on hybrids and EVsWhere each clamp goes, why battery gas is dangerous and how to store a jump packRead the guideBuying a used EV or hybrid with a past collision: why the battery needs its own inspectionWhere the car was hit, what to check on the battery and which records to requestRead the guideHome EV charging safety: outlets, chargers and fire preventionHow to charge an electric car at home without overloading wires or risking a fireRead the guidePublic EV charger safety: protect yourself, your car and your cardHow to stay safe at public chargers, spot payment scams and avoid damaged equipmentRead the guideEV weight, tires and braking: what drivers should knowHow battery weight changes tire wear, stopping, crash forces and the way you driveRead the guideEV cold weather range: how to plan winter tripsWhy cold cuts electric range and how to plan winter trips with charge to spareRead the guide

After a flood or crash

Water and crash damage can lead to a battery fire hours, days or even weeks later. These guides explain the warning signs, what never to touch and how to tow and store a damaged EV.

If an EV was flooded or in a serious crash

Don’t drive it or charge it. Park it outside, away from buildings, and have it checked by a qualified technician. Call 911 if you see smoke or fire.

Start hereFlooded electric vehicles: why the battery fire risk can show up days or weeks laterHow water damages EV batteries, where to park a flooded car and who to callRead the guideWhat to do with an electric vehicle after a serious crashSafety steps for handling an electric vehicle after a serious crashRead the guideEV high voltage parts after a crash: what never to touch and what to tell 911How to tell a car is electric, spot high voltage parts and keep people safeRead the guideWhy a damaged EV battery can reignite after a crash: thermal runaway and stranded energyLearn why a battery that looks safe can flare up hours or days laterRead the guideTowing and storing a damaged EV: flatbeds, safe distances and who to tellHow to move a damaged EV safely, keep it isolated and brief every handlerRead the guideAfter a crash: should you stay inside the car or get out?How to decide whether to stay buckled in or move to a safe spotRead the guideVehicle fire extinguishers: ratings, mounting and when to walk awayHow to read an extinguisher label, mount it securely and know when to get clearRead the guideVehicle rescue sheets and emergency response guides: what they show and how to find yoursHow modern cars complicate rescue and how you can help crews reach you fasterRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? Browse every electric and hybrid guide in our library, or see our guides to car safety technology.

Browse EV and hybrid guidesCar safety technology

These guides offer general education, not mechanical advice. Follow your owner’s manual and the maker’s emergency response guide. In an emergency in the United States, call 911.

Keep learning

Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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