Lifting vehicles with high-voltage batteries: What you need to know
Vehicles with high-voltage (HV) batteries—hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs)—may have different considerations regarding lifting or jacking. Usually, a collision repair shop uses floor jacks, jack stands, and lifts to gain access to the underside of vehicles safely.
When it comes down to lifting or jacking an HV vehicle, whether it be hybrid or electric, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Battery damage: Lifting in the wrong location or lifting a vehicle not allowed to be jacked up may cause serious damage to the battery pack.
- Weight: Vehicles with HV batteries may weigh more than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Because of this extra weight from the battery, certain jacks, jack stands, or lifts may not be able to hold the vehicle safely, which may result in injury to a technician or vehicle.
- Damage to related components: Even if you are careful not to place or lift the jacks on the battery itself, there may be some other HV components in the area that may get damaged during the lifting or supporting process. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the location of HV components. Items, such as exhaust heat exchanges and associated cooling system lines and hoses, must be protected from damage.
- Special tools and equipment: Some service information procedures require that lift hoist pads or adapters be properly placed in the designated areas to prevent damage while lifting the vehicle.
Always follow original equipment manufacturers (OEM) procedures when lifting a high-voltage vehicle to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair. Vehicle-specific information for lifting points can be found in the service manual, body repair manual, owner’s manual, or the emergency response guide.
Additionally, OEMs provide recommended lifting points on their service site, and some vehicles even have these locations marked with notches or stamping.
To learn more about servicing and repairing EVs, visit the I-CAR Canada course catalogue.