Electrical authorization for electric and hybrid vehicles relies on specific symbols defined by the NF C 18-550 standard. The main symbols are B0L (non-electrical work), B1VL and B2VL (electrical work), BRL (interventions) and BCL (lockout/tagout). These qualifications, issued after electric vehicle electrical authorization training, allow safe intervention on electric or hybrid vehicles while managing the risks related to onboard electrical energy (up to 1,000V DC).
Key takeaways:
- Each symbol corresponds to a specific level of operation and qualification
- The distinction between electrician and non-electrician personnel determines the accessible symbol
- Both theoretical and practical training is mandatory per the French Labour Code
Table des matières
Authorization symbols for electric and hybrid vehicles
The NF C 18-550 standard defines five main symbols for operations on electric and hybrid vehicles, classified according to the qualification level and responsibilities of the worker.
B0L Symbol: Non-electrician personnel
The B0L authorizes non-electrician professionals to perform mechanical maintenance operations on electric vehicles without handling the electrical installation, in compliance with the standard. This qualification concerns mechanics, body shop workers, upholsterers, fleet maintenance agents, cleaning agents and non-electrician workshop managers. The holder can work safely in the electrical environment of the vehicle fleet after de-energization by a BCL-authorized person.
Important distinction: The B0L comes in two levels of responsibility. The B0L Performing worker carries out operations under supervision, while the B0L Work supervisor (or Repair supervisor for mechanical operations) organizes, supervises and ensures the safety of non-electrical operations (work zone organization, coordination). A workshop manager would typically hold B0L Work supervisor authorization, their mechanics B0L Performing worker. To learn more, see our article on electrical authorization symbols.
B1VL Symbol: Performing electrician
The B1VL concerns electricians who carry out electrical work on vehicles under the supervision of a B2VL-authorized work supervisor. This qualification requires prior electrical training and is aimed primarily at electromechanical and automotive electricians who work on electrical installations but cannot organize work independently.
B2VL Symbol: Electrical work supervisor
The B2VL allows qualified electricians to supervise a team or carry out electrical work independently on electric vehicles. The holder can supervise B1VL-authorized workers, organize the work zone and implement prevention measures. This is the level required to manage electrical operations on vehicles.
BRL Symbol: Intervention supervisor
The BRL authorizes troubleshooting and maintenance on electric vehicles. This symbol allows complex battery operations and diagnostics on the electric drivetrain. The holder can act independently to detect faults and perform towing/recovery of damaged electric vehicles.
BCL Symbol: Lockout supervisor
The BCL allows disconnection and connection of the high voltage battery, as well as de-energization of an electric vehicle so that third parties can work on it safely. This qualification covers live work in Low Voltage (AC or DC) and the implementation of safety devices. This is the essential level for preparing a vehicle before any B0L personnel operation. Also see our article on the steps of electrical lockout.
The precise definition of each symbol determines the worker’s scope of action and authorized operations.
Symbol comparison and intervention domains
| Symbol | Target audience | Responsibility level | Authorized operations | Autonomy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B0L Exécutant | Non-electrician | Execution | Mechanical work, body shop | Under supervision |
| B0L Chargé de réparation | Non-electrician | Supervision | Mechanical work + organization | Organizes and supervises |
| B1VL | Qualified electrician | Execution | Electrical work | Under supervision B2VL |
| B2VL | Qualified electrician | Management | Electrical work + encadrement | Autonomous, can manage |
| BRL | Qualified electrician | Intervention | Troubleshooting, electrical maintenance | Autonomous |
| BCL | Qualified electrician | Lockout/tagout | De-energization, HV battery disconnection | Autonomous |
Electrical risks specific to hybrid vehicles
The onboard electrical energy in an electric or hybrid vehicle presents major prevention challenges. Voltage can reach 600V DC on certain models, creating a potentially fatal electrification risk. Current intensity constitutes a particular danger during high voltage battery operations.
Risk zones: High voltage battery, orange cabling (electrical current source), connection box, charging system. Professionals must identify these zones before any operation, regardless of their qualification. The risk analysis must also take into account greenhouse gas emissions from damaged batteries.
Collective protection measures: De-energization, Voltage Absence Test, vehicle securing. Battery disconnection alone is not sufficient: capacitors may remain charged. Control of these devices falls under the responsibility of BCL-authorized technicians.
Individual protection measures: Insulating gloves (class 0 minimum), face shield, insulating mat. Compliance with the NF C 18-550 standard requires this equipment for each operation. The learner acquires this electrical safety knowledge during the practical phase. Also see our article on PPE for electrical authorization.
The regulatory framework of NF C 18-550
The NF C 18-550 standard (2020 version) defines the regulatory requirements for operations on electric and hybrid vehicles. It supplements the Labour Code (articles R4544-9 to R4544-11) by specifying the authorization levels required for each type of operation according to the voltage domain.
Scope of application: Maintenance, repair, inspection of electrically powered vehicles (cars, construction equipment, forklifts). The standard covers both High Voltage and Low Voltage, and applies to both company premises and on-site client operations.
Employer obligations: Skills assessment, certificate issuance after receiving the post-training assessment, regular knowledge updates. The document issued must be adapted to the actual risk of the installation and the operations assigned to the worker. The employer must also take into account each person’s particular situation (medical fitness, disability).
Authorization duration and recertification
Electric vehicle qualifications follow the same validity principle as standard authorizations. Recertification is mandatory every 3 years per the NF C18-550 standard requirements.
Initial training: 1 day for B0L, 3 days for B1VL B2VL BRL BCL
Recertification: 1 day for B0L, 1.5 days for B1VL B2VL BRL BCL
Recertification allows staying up to date with regulations (the standard is regularly amended) and refreshing electrical safety knowledge. The recertification assessment also includes a theoretical questionnaire and a practical scenario. The company must also plan for early recertification in case of technical changes, work-related electrical accidents, or fleet evolution.
Key takeaways on vehicle authorization symbols
The B0L, B1VL, B2VL, BRL and BCL symbols govern operations on electric vehicles according to the qualification level and type of action. B0L concerns non-electrician professionals for mechanical work, while symbols B1VL to BCL are aimed at qualified electricians with different levels of responsibility. Compliance with the NF C 18-550 standard and regular recertification ensure team safety on these installations.
FAQ
B0L authorizes non-electrical work (mechanical, body shop) without battery handling, intended for non-electrician professionals. BCL allows vehicle de-energization, disconnection and connection of the high voltage battery, reserved for qualified electricians.
Yes, B0L is mandatory as soon as a worker intervenes on an electric or hybrid vehicle, even for non-electrical work. This requirement ensures knowledge of risk zones and the correct response in case of accident. The operation must be supervised by a work supervisor who has secured the vehicle.
B1VL concerns performing electricians who carry out electrical work under the supervision of a B2VL. B2VL allows organizing the work, supervising a B1VL team and working independently. B2VL has a higher level of responsibility in organizing and managing electrical operations on a vehicle.
To choose the right training, examine several criteria: the expertise of the training body, available teaching resources, participant satisfaction rates, and Qualiopi certification for OPCO funding. Request a detailed quote and contact an advisor to discuss your specific needs. The provider should offer sessions adapted to your situation (in-house, on-site, disability accessibility).
Yes, the authorization certificate covers the entire electric and hybrid vehicle fleet, regardless of model (electric car, construction equipment, forklift). The NF C 18-550 standard applies to all electric powertrains up to 1,000V, regardless of the voltage domain.
No, the B0L Performing worker or Repair supervisor requires the presence of an authorized supervisor to ensure de-energization and oversee the operation. Only B2VL, BRL and BCL levels authorize independent work on the vehicle’s electrical installation.
The B0L Work supervisor (or Repair supervisor) organizes, supervises and ensures the safety of a non-electrical operation (work zone demarcation, personnel supervision). The B0L Performing worker carries out operations under the Work supervisor’s responsibility without supervisory authority. This distinction addresses different organizational needs within the company.
