Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular on our roads. You’ve no doubt noticed.
That means demand for EV servicing is gradually increasing, and electric cars are increasingly likely to be involved in road traffic incidents or encountered by police officers.
And while EVs certainly help reduce road pollution, we’re still, as a society, ironing out a few creases. One of the most dangerous of these is EV runaway.
EVs don’t stall, and a quick glance might make a technician, first responder or police officer think the car is switched off, when it isn’t. That’s extremely dangerous, as someone or something accidentally touching the accelerator pedal or knocking the gearbox into gear could make the EV take off, injuring people. If only there were a straightforward way to stop this. Well, soon there will be.
What are the dangers of EV runaway?
EV runaway refers to unintended acceleration or movement in an electric car or van. Since these vehicles are so quiet, it can be hard to tell whether the high-voltage system is still active, particularly when viewed from the outside or in bad road traffic incidents.
In contrast, it’s easier to tell when traditional ICE cars are running because of the engine noise and exhaust vibrations. Here are some of the main dangers of EV runaway in different sectors:
EV technicians (fleet or fast-fit)
- Danger to others in the workshop
- Damage to the EV
- An EV falling from a ramp
- Damage to the workshop
- Reputational damage
Emergency services
- EV could endanger fellow responders
- EV could endanger occupants even more
- EV runaway could cause further nearby property damage
- Reputational damage
How to mitigate the dangers of EV runaway
Midtronics has come up with a solution, the xIM-100 Electric Vehicle Immobiliser.
This device plugs into any mainstream EV charging port. Once attached, it immobilises the drive system, so the car can’t send any power to its wheels.
It indicates its status with a simple coloured light. Red means the xIM-100 is not yet fully connected and green means the EV is immobilised. Everyone approaching the car can see this and knows it’s safe to work on or in the vehicle.
This is a vital safety consideration across multiple fields, especially for fast-fit and fleet technicians and emergency responders.
Features of the xIM-100 Electric Vehicle Immobiliser
Here’s what you can expect from the xIM-100 Electric Vehicle Immobiliser, which will begin shipping later this year:
- Visual confirmation of a secure connection (the green light mentioned above). This confirms that the EV is safe to work on.
- No direct contact with the high-voltage system, so you and your team stay safe.
- Universal attachment compatible with major charging standards, including Type 1, Type 2 and NACS (NACS is used only in North America, originally for Teslas, but now by most manufacturers).
- Keeps everyone safe without inhibiting essential 12-volt functions, such as the windows, lights and seats.
- Works on both BEVs and PHEVs (hybrids).
In short, the xIM-100 brings speed and security in equal measure. A quick glance is all it takes to ensure the EV won’t suddenly move, instead of having to check inside the cabin and relay that information to everyone on scene.
How do you use the xIM-100 Electric Vehicle Immobiliser?
The xIM-100 is extremely simple to use. Whether you’re a technician, a first responder or a law enforcement officer, here’s how to use it to immobilise an EV:
- Open the charge-port cover by pressing it.
- Attach the xIM-100 to the vehicle’s charge port.
- Check that the xIM-100 turns green.
That’s it. On the driver’s display, you’ll see a ‘charge cord connected’ indicator. That’s just further confirmation that it’s attached and working.
Where can I get the xIM-100 Electric Vehicle Immobiliser?
The xIM-100 will soon be available directly from Midtronics and from Midtronics suppliers, like Rotronics. You can already preorder from Midtronics, or from our online store.
Rotronics is your go-to specialist for battery and battery management equipment. We’ve made it our mission to help workshops and emergency services around the country and beyond. For example, see how Gloucester Fire & Rescue implemented our cloud-based ROBIS battery testing record software, and how it paid for itself in just six months.
So, whether you’re a fleet technician, a fast-fit mechanic, a firefighter or a police officer, devices like the xIM-100 are likely to be increasingly in demand. For more information about this device or to request a quote, get in touch with our team of industry experts today.
