Sales of electric vehicles (EVs), including cars and bicycles, are rising rapidly thanks to an increased interest in minimisation of fossil fuel use by environmentally conscious consumers. In using energy storage systems such as lithiumion batteries, these vehicles present a set of safety risks that necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to perform against chemical, electrical, and thermal hazards.

Many occupations are at risk of harm and injury when working with EVs. These include fire, rescue and first responders, clean-up crews, waste and recycling facility workers, tow truck operators, car mechanics and other auto trade workers such as panel beaters of spray painters, or installers of aftermarket auto equipment.

Care should be taken when working with EVs in any capacity, including those working in accident recovery including first responders, clean-up crews and tow truck operators. The breadth of injury risk requires provision of a suitable spectrum of PPE types including clothing and hand protection.