mainehockey1

3 months ago

16 comments

Subject: Gasoline/Electric Hybrid Vehicles Source: Toyota Prius Emergency Response Guide (Revised) Toyota of Portsmouth recently held a number of classes for officers and firefighters that may encounter a gasoline-electric “Hybrid” vehicle at an accident scene. Mr. Jessie Wong, a certified master diagnostic technician, taught the class. He went over the procedures that officers should keep in mind if they encounter a Hybrid vehicle. Toyota’s vehicle is known as the Prius. The first 6 digits of its VIN, JT2BK1, identify the Prius. It also has Toyota Hybrid and Prius logos on the trunk. Inside the engine compartment there is a 1.5 liter aluminum alloy gasoline engine, with a Toyota Hybrid system logo on the high voltage inverter box. The Prius has been sold in the United States since May of 2000. The vehicle has both an electric and gasoline type engine on board for power. On light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor. The gasoline engine comes on mainly during normal driving conditions. It is also used to recharge the battery pack. During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both motors are on. While stopped, both motors are off, however the vehicle remains on and operational. Prius emergency response procedures are similar to other vehicles with the exception of the high voltage electrical system. High voltage electricity powers an electric motor, generator, and inverter. All other conventional automotive electrical devices such as the headlights, radio, and gauges are powered from a separate 12-Volt battery. Numerous safeguards have been designed into the Prius to help ensure the high voltage 274-volt battery pack is kept safe in an accident. The battery pack contains sealed batteries that are similar to rechargeable batteries used in laptops and cell phones. High voltage cables, identified by orange insulation and connectors, are isolated from the metal chassis of the vehicle. These cables, routed underneath and inboard the floor pan reinforcement, are in areas not normally accessed by emergency responders at an accident scene. The HV battery pack powers the electrical system with direct current (DC) electricity. Power remains in the high voltage electrical system for 5 minutes after the HV battery pack is shut off and for 90 seconds in the airbag system. So, in review, never touch, cut, or open any orange high voltage cable or high voltage component.