Hybrid-Electric
Vehicles What
is a Hybrid-Electric or "Hybrid" vehicle? Which
vehicle manufacturers offer hybrid-electric vehicles in their model
lines? Does
NCAP test hybrid-electric vehicles? Are
hybrid-electric vehicles safe? Is
there a danger of electrical shock following a severe crash in a
hybrid-electric vehicle? Is
there any guidance available on how first responders should approach
hybrid-electric vehicles after a crash?
What is a
Hybrid-Electric or "Hybrid" vehicle? Hybrid-electric
vehicles are vehicles which usually combine either gasoline or diesel
engines with electric motors to propel the vehicle. Typically the
gasoline or diesel engine is used to power the vehicle for highway
driving, and the electric motor operates under urban driving conditions.
Which vehicle
manufacturers offer hybrid-electric vehicles in their model lines?
www.HybridCars.com provides an up-to-date listing of the
hybrids that are currently available on the market and those slated for
introduction in the next few years.
Does NCAP test
hybrid-electric vehicles? Yes,
NCAP tests Hybrid-electric vehicles. Since NHTSA selects vehicles for
rating based primarily upon sales volume, not all vehicles can be
rated. Those with smaller sales volume may not have been selected. Even
though a vehicle may not have been rated under the New Car Assessment
Program, all vehicles sold in the U.S. are certified by the
manufacturer as complying with all applicable Federal motor vehicle
safety standards.
Are hybrid-electric
vehicles safe? Like conventionally fueled vehicles,
hybrid-electric vehicles are required to meet all applicable
Federal motor vehicle
safety standards (FMVSS).
Additionally, they must meet FMVSS 305, Electric Powered Vehicles:
electrolyte spillage and electric shock protection. This standard
specifies limits for electrolyte spillage, battery retention, and
post-crash electrical isolation of the chassis from the high voltage
system in vehicles that use electricity as propulsion power.
Is there a danger of
electrical shock following a severe crash in a hybrid-electric vehicle? In
contrast to standard vehicles, which use the chassis as part of the
12-volt electrical circuit, hybrid-electric vehicles use heavily
insulated wires for both the positive and return sides of the high
voltage circuit. Automatic shutoff systems reduce the potential for
post-crash electrical shock from the high voltage system.
Is there any guidance
available on how first responders should approach hybrid-electric
vehicles after a crash? Yes.
Vehicle manufacturers provide emergency response guides to educate and
assist emergency responders in the safe handling of hybrid vehicles.
Honda, Toyota, Lexus, and Ford, provide these guides online.
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