Electric cars whose drive batteries operate at voltages of more than 60 V are called high-voltage vehicles in Germany. High-voltage vehicles are also considered electrical systems and are therefore subject to the same electrical safety regulations and standards that apply to all electrical systems. In addition, there are a few special features to be observed.

In German a difference is made in wording: high voltage in traditional electrical engineering is called "Hochspannung" and refers to voltages above 1.000 V AC and 1.500 V DC. High voltage in electrical vehicles is called "Hochvolt" and is defined in DGUV Information 209-093. This is the standard issued by employer's liability insurance association (DGUV) for handling high-voltage vehicles. It defines "Hochvolt" as voltages between 30 V and 1.000 V AC or 60 V and 1.500 V DC.

The current edition of DGUV Information 209-093 requires a high-voltage expert supervisor who assumes responsibility for the safe handling of high-voltage vehicles. In earlier versions, this role was also called VEFK, as in traditional electrical engineering. Since the status of a VEFK requires electrical engineering training, which is rare in car dealerships, the high-voltage expert supervisor was introduced. Ultimately, however, it is the same type of responsibility and many companies continue to speak of a VEFK for high voltage.

Likewise, a qualified electrician is no longer required for work on electric vehicles, as this also requires electrical qualification. Instead, a high-voltage qualified person (Fachkundige Person Hochvolt, FHV) has been introduced.