With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly common on roadways, they bring new operational challenges for fire departments and rescue teams. While many discussions about EVs center on battery fires and high-voltage hazards, there’s another critical factor that is often underestimated: vehicle weight.
EVs weigh significantly more than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, and that increase in mass has serious implications for vehicle extrication and stabilization. Understanding this difference and adjusting rescue techniques and equipment accordingly is imperative for firefighter safety and operational success.
The weight gap: How EVs compare to ICE vehicles
One of the defining characteristics of EVs is their substantial battery packs, often weighing hundreds to thousands of pounds. This additional mass results in a 25-50% increase in overall vehicle weight, compared to similar ICE vehicles.
Let’s break down a few comparisons:
- The Ford F-150 Lightning weighs approximately 6,015 pounds, compared to around 4,465 pounds for the standard F-150.
- The Chevrolet Silverado EV tips the scales at a massive 8,532 pounds, whereas the ICE Silverado 1500 weighs around 4,500 pounds.
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5, a compact EV, still comes in at 4,200 pounds, about 1,500 pounds heavier than the comparable ICE Hyundai Elantra.
- Even mid-size sedans and compact SUVs show similar differences. For example, the Toyota Camry weighs around 3,310 pounds, while Toyota’s electric bZ4X weighs 4,266 pounds.
These increases in gross vehicle weight are not trivial — they affect everything from the force needed to stabilize a vehicle, to the amount of time and effort required to perform a safe extrication.
Why weight matters in rescue scenarios
From the outside, many EVs look nearly identical to their gas-powered versions. However, the unseen weight adds risk factors for both stabilization and lifting. These risks include:
- Higher center of gravity: EV battery packs are often mounted low in the chassis, changing how the vehicle reacts to stabilization efforts.
- Battery intrusion zones: Placing struts or cribbing in the wrong place could pierce or compromise the battery, leading to thermal runaway.
- Tool strain and failure: Standard rescue struts may not be rated for the elevated loads modern EVs present. Underestimating the vehicle’s weight can result in tool failure or collapse, endangering both responders and victims.
Our rescue struts: What can they handle?
The most effective way to prepare is to ensure your team is using high-capacity struts and is trained to identify and adapt to changing vehicle designs.
Paratech struts
- Known for their robust build and modular design, Paratech’s systems like the AcmeThread and Vehicle Stabilization Kit (VSK) offer load capacities ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 pounds.
- These systems are particularly suited for heavy-duty stabilization, including commercial vehicles and full-size EV trucks.
Res-Q-Jack struts
- Models like Res-Q-Jack’s Super X and X-Strut HD offer rated capacities from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds.
- Their integrated lifting capabilities make them well-suited for rapid intervention scenarios but may require augmentation when dealing with ultra-heavy EVs.
Regardless of brand, the key consideration is ensuring that the struts in your inventory are capable of handling worst-case scenarios, especially as EV adoption continues to grow in the pickup and SUV segments.
Train for the weight difference
Fire departments must prioritize training not only on EV fires and securing power systems, but also on modern stabilization techniques. This includes:
- Vehicle identification and weight awareness: Teams should train to recognize vehicle models and anticipate their likely curb weight.
- Double strut systems: For especially heavy vehicles, using two struts on a single stabilization point may be necessary.
- Load distribution and base placement: Proper base plate positioning and ground support become more critical as weights increase.
Additionally, departments are encouraged to partner with local towing companies, EV dealerships or training consortiums to gain hands-on experience with actual EV models.
A new standard for extrication
As automakers continue shifting toward full electrification, we can expect vehicle weights to continue rising. This makes it crucial for rescue professionals to treat each incident as a potential EV response and adjust stabilization tactics accordingly.
For example, a vehicle once stabilized with a single X-style strut may now require two high-capacity struts and additional cribbing due to a 2,000-pound weight increase. When time is critical and safety is on the line, assuming “business as usual” can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Stabilize smarter, not harder
The rise of EVs represents a positive shift toward sustainability, but it brings with it new mechanical realities for rescue operations. Simply put, EVs are heavier, more complex and demand more from your tools and techniques.
Rescue teams must stay informed and equipped. Evaluate your struts. Know your vehicles. And make training with heavier, modern platforms a part of your department’s regular schedule.
By adapting to these changes today, you’ll ensure your crew remains safe and your operations effective well into the electric future.
