By the time the red Tesla finally came to rest, after the driver ran it over a spike belt and hit another vehicle, first responders en route were focused on a tablet detailing the schematics of the car's electrical system.

The lithium-ion battery packs and high-voltage lines supplying electricity to the cars create high stakes for first responders.

"There are concerns with electric vehicles, as you are driving around an incredible amount of energy that is stored in a very condensed, energy-dense …