IT Forensics · Car

Forensic analysis of EV battery management data – the forensic use of battery management system logs in electric vehicles

An electric vehicle’s battery management system continuously monitors the condition, temperature and load of the drive battery, whilst also recording events – some of which are safety-related – such as overheating or critical voltage conditions.

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This data may be of forensic relevance both for investigating technical faults and in connection with fire or safety incidents involving electric vehicles.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We analyse the available battery management data, document safety-related events and place them in chronological order within the course of the investigation.

Typical areas of application

•Investigating the technical causes of battery faults
•Investigation of fire and safety incidents involving electric vehicles
•Incorporating battery status data into accident reconstructions
•Support with warranty and product liability issues
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Collaboration with manufacturers and experts

This is how an EV battery management analysis is carried out

Once the vehicle system has been technically classified, the available battery management data is backed up and checked for safety-related events and atypical status values during the relevant period.

Why is EV battery management analysis relevant to forensic investigations?

Critical status readings from the drive battery can provide important clues as to the technical cause of an incident, particularly in the case of thermal events.

As battery systems are designed differently depending on the manufacturer, the scope of data available is technically assessed on a case-by-case basis for each vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can battery management data still be read out following a fire?+
This depends on the condition of the control unit in question and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Are individual battery cells also logged separately?+
With some systems, yes, but the level of detail varies considerably depending on the manufacturer.
Does LanCologne use specialised high-voltage sampling equipment?+
We analyse available battery management data using our established forensic tools; the physical handling of high-voltage components is carried out in consultation with suitably qualified specialists.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of EV battery management data"? LanCologne can assist you with the court-admissible preservation of digital evidence and the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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