DANGERThis vehicle contains a high voltage Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS). An improperly handled or damaged RESS can cause electrical shock and/or fire, which will result in death or serious injury.
- RESS must only be serviced by a qualified technician using proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Do not touch RESS connecter terminals with fingers, tools, jewelry, or other metal objects.
- Do not disconnect, disassemble, or use RESS for other than its intended use.
- Improper charging, impact or exposure to fire can damage the RESS.
- A damaged RESS can leak electrolyte and/or generate flammable gas.
DANGERA damaged RESS can leak electrolyte. Contact with electrolyte will cause serious chemical burns or blindness.
- Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while handling RESS.
- If electrolyte comes in contact with eyes, skin, or clothing, rinse affected area with clean water and seek medical attention immediately.
- See Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for more details available at sds.harley-davidson.com
WARNINGMisused or abused lithium-ion batteries can get hot, explode or ignite, or potentially release gas, smoke or liquid. Always follow battery safety precautions. Misuse or abuse of lithium-ion batteries could result in death or serious injury. (07729b)
Typically, thermal runaway is associated with heavy impact, internal damage, or exposure to an adjacent heat source or fire. Thermal runaway is a process where cells in the battery overheat, increasing other cells’ temperatures, which in turn increases heat throughout the battery.
Thermal runaway is a repeating cycle in which excessive heat generates more heat gradually until the cycle ceases or a fire occurs, noticeable by:
- Heat (temperature is more than 65 °C (150 °F) above ambient temperature)
- Smoke
- Fire
- Crackling/Hissing sound from the battery
Check the temperature of the battery at intake using a thermal imaging camera or non-contact temperature gun. A battery temperature more than 65 °C (150 °F) above ambient temperature may indicate a damaged or overheating battery. If you ever encounter a situation where thermal runaway may be occurring, immediately evacuate the area and call emergency responders.
If at intake the thermal temperature is at or below 65 °C (150 °F) above ambient temperature but the battery has been damaged, move the EV to an isolation area. Monitor the EV using a thermal imaging camera or non-contact temperature gun for 24 hours. Take temperature readings on center right and center left of the battery. Watch for temperature readings more than 65 °C (150 °F) above ambient temperature.
After a thermal runaway event has occurred and been extinguished, continue to monitor for signs of heating and re-ignition. Fire, smoke, or heating must not be present in the battery for at least one hour before the vehicle can be released to others, such as service personnel, law enforcement, vehicle transporters, etc. The battery must be completely cooled before moving or otherwise releasing the vehicle. Always advise other personnel that there may be a risk of re-ignition and fire.