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<p>The UK is actively involved in the development of international regulations for
road vehicle approval at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. These
regulations take into account novel risks and potential safety concerns associated
with hybrid and electric vehicles. The crashworthiness regulations have been amended
to require hybrid and electric vehicles to have either an automatic disconnect for
the high voltage system or for the electrical system integrity to be maintained after
the vehicle undergoes regulated crash testing. A specific regulation dealing with
electrical safety of vehicles has been updated to include provisions for the mechanical
and electrical testing of the battery, its fire resistance and electrical insulation.</p><p>
</p><p>The regulations do not require a means to confirm the isolation of the batteries
following a serious collision because it is considered appropriate for those attending
the scene to confirm by independent means that the vehicle does not present a hazard
or risk. In support of this approach, the Department has developed a guidance document
for operators involved in the recovery of hybrid and electric vehicles which will
shortly be made available on GOV.UK. Alongside this work, the Department is an active
member of Euro NCAP, which has introduced a mobile phone application that provides
vehicle specific information for recovery professionals and emergency services to
identify the location of key components of the high voltage system.</p>
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