About Us

Rotae is a dedicated Vehicle Fire Investigation Service. We investigate the cause of fires in Petrol and Diesal vehicles, specialising in the investigation of Electric and Hybrid vehicles. 

 Rotae was founded by Stephen Elliott   

Stephen Elliott AAE, MIMI4, MIAAI, IAAI FIT (V)

Stephen started his working life as a soldier, joining the British Army and serving 10 years in the Royal Engineers. In 2001 he joined Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue based at the county’s specialist Hazardous materials station, then transferred to London Fire Brigade in 2006 as an officer overseeing some of the busiest stations within the capital.

As a qualified full time, Fire Investigation Officer, he has investigated several complex fire scenes and carried out multiple Fatal Fire investigations including vehicles, domestic properties, and commercial properties. He has investigated multiple combustion engine vehicle, hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle fires, given evidence in Criminal courts, Coroners courts and the Old Bailey Central Criminal in Central London.

Having completed the Skills for Justice Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation and a Level 7 Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice, he then became a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) qualifying as an IAAI Fire Investigation Technician also holding the IAAI Motor Vehicle Fire Credential. Having completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course and the Park Lodge International Dedicated Electric / Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course, he is now an instructor on both of these courses and guest lectures on the forensic module at Cranfield university forensic investigation course.

As an Advanced Automotive Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) with Vehicle Engineering Endorsement he holds the IMI Level1 award in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology, Level 2 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel, Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement and Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric / Hybrid vehicles and components. He is also a registered Tech Safe IMI Electric and Hybrid technician as per the IMI register.

He completed the Park Lodge International Vehicle Fire Investigation Course In Nenagh, Ireland , which he now tutors and tutors at the Park Lodge dedicated Electric / Hybrid Vehicle Fire Investigation Course in Oslo, Norway.  

Working on and around these vehicles is a dangerous task and must only be done by qualified people.

Please do not be tempted to touch any high voltage systems without the correct training, rated tools and personal protective equipment.

Rotae was formed after 22 years experience in the Fire Services, several years of research, studying, national and international courses and hands on experience of the investigation of vehicles and specialising in Electric and Hybrid investigations. Whilst teaming up with other companies agencies, groups and subject matter experts to gain the most up to date and accurate information and knowledge. This knowledge is shared amongst these groups and subject matter experts. Rotae VFI believes that with the rapidly developing world of vehicle technology, the investigator needs to develop to keep ahead of this curve.