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New RAL Quality Mark: Greater safety for damaged electric vehicles and energy storage systems

While electric cars were still a rarity just a few years ago, they are now becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. But what happens when these vehicles break down, are involved in an accident or suffer damage and need to be recovered? What factors need to be considered in contrast to a combustion engine? After all, electric cars use powerful li-ion batteries, which could cause serious damage in the event of an accident. Various laws have set the standard here for years. Since July, the new Quality Mark (Gütezeichen) for Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Accident (Havarie Elektromobilität und Energiespeicher), set by the Quality Assurance Association for Traffic Area Cleaning and Accident Site Restoration (Gütegemeinschaft Verkehrsflächenreinigung und Unfallstellensanierung e. V.), has gone one step further by setting a binding standard for quality and safety.

11.08.2025

Gütezeichen

Given the steady growth of electromobility and the increasing prevalence of powerful lithium-ion batteries, issues such as fire protection, safe recovery and storage, and proper disposal are becoming increasingly important. The RAL Quality Assurance Association for Traffic Area Cleaning and Accident Site Restoration (Gütegemeinschaft Verkehrsflächenreinigung und Unfallstellensanierung e. V.) has introduced the new RAL Quality Mark for Electric Mobility and Energy Storage Accident (Gütezeichen Havarie Elektromobilität und Energiespeicher). The Quality Mark creates a uniform and transparent quality standard for the professional handling of damaged electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems.

Companies that use the new Quality Mark meet high requirements in areas such as the recovery and towing of safety-critical vehicles and energy storage systems, and their subsequent storage, transport and environmentally friendly disposal. This is particularly important in the event of accidents involving electric, hybrid, hydrogen or gas-powered vehicles and stationary battery storage systems. The Quality Mark is based on a comprehensive set of rules covering technical and organisational aspects, as well as environmental and occupational safety considerations. For example, checks are carried out to ensure that the company in question employs qualified specialists who are trained in handling high-voltage systems. Also relevant: Is suitable equipment used, and are appropriate safety precautions in place? Are there documented procedures and emergency plans? Are legal requirements being complied with? These are just some of the many questions clarified during an audit by the Quality Assurance Association at companies interested in the Quality Mark.

“With the new RAL Quality Mark, we are sending a clear signal of safety, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence in addressing the challenges of electromobility”, explains Harald H. Glöde, Chairman of the responsible RAL Quality Assurance Association. He points out that the Quality Assurance applies not only to land, water, and air vehicles, but also to stationary systems and their energy storage facilities.

The new RAL Quality Mark thus complements existing legal regulations, such as the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), the German Circular Economy Act (Kreislaufwirtschaftsgesetz – KrWG), the Ordinance on facilities for handling substances that are hazardous to water (Verordnung über Anlagen zum Umgang mit wassergefährdenden Stoffen (AwSV)), and DGUV regulations, which have governed the handling of electromobility and energy storage for years. With the RAL Quality Mark, companies signal to clients, such as public authorities and insurance companies, that they act in a demonstrably competent, safe, and legally compliant manner, even in critical situations.