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Firefighter here... The major thing that concerns me about the Model S is the placement of the DC-DC converter in the front right wheel well. There's a common

Firefighter here... The major thing that concerns me about the Model S is the placement of the DC-DC converter in the front right wheel well. There's a common maneuver called a 'dash lift' where you make a couple relief cuts and then lift the dash using a hydraulic ram. Properly place, those cuts are dangerously close to that high voltage system. Explanation of relief cut placement: http://advancedextrication.com/2011/12/closer-dash-lift-part-2-relief-cuts/ http://advancedextrication.com/2011/12/closer-dash-lift-part... EDIT: The video abalone posted has a great walk-through on rolling the dash of a Model S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ntK3rvVl2Qw&t=1642 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ntK... Another issue is the seat belt pretensioner, which would complicated a 'side blitz' door removal (where both doors are removed as a unit), but that's a pretty standard place for the pretensioner, so it's something we're used to working around.

nzealand 13y ago
Looks challenging. How does that compare with a Prius?
- JshWright 13y ago
  A Prius is a lot simpler. All the electric components are well away from all the 'usual' cut locations. Obviously all the normal concerns apply (air bags, pretentioners, etc), but from an extrication perspective, they're pretty straightforward. The one issue common to all EVs (hybrid or plugin) is that the can silently deliver power to the wheels. With a 'normal' car, you can hear the engine running. With an EV, it can be harder to tell if it's on or not. One of the first things we do it secure the keys, but with keyless ignition, the key may be trapped in the drivers pocket. That means the big round 'On' button just needs to be bumped by someone for the car to power up. That's why it's critical that we're able to disable the electrical systems of the car, to prevent it from starting up unexpectedly.

nzealand 13y ago

Looks challenging. How does that compare with a Prius?

JshWright 13y ago
A Prius is a lot simpler. All the electric components are well away from all the 'usual' cut locations. Obviously all the normal concerns apply (air bags, pretentioners, etc), but from an extrication perspective, they're pretty straightforward. The one issue common to all EVs (hybrid or plugin) is that the can silently deliver power to the wheels. With a 'normal' car, you can hear the engine running. With an EV, it can be harder to tell if it's on or not. One of the first things we do it secure the keys, but with keyless ignition, the key may be trapped in the drivers pocket. That means the big round 'On' button just needs to be bumped by someone for the car to power up. That's why it's critical that we're able to disable the electrical systems of the car, to prevent it from starting up unexpectedly.