No such incidents have been reported with Honda hybrid vehicles either, the only other automaker currently selling HEVs to the public. Just the same, realizing that vehicles partially powered by high-voltage electric batteries are now becoming more common on our nation's roads it's no wonder emergency crews and those who watch over them have become concerned.
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| Toyota has designed their engines to shut off all high voltage circuits as soon as a collision or any "abnormal condition" is sensed. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
To put fears to rest Toyota explains that its "high voltage batteries are contained in an extremely strong protective case located in a portion of the vehicle very unlikely to be penetrated in a collision." Furthermore, drivetrain management computers are continuously monitoring the car's system functions and then performing hundreds of tests each minute to ensure all systems are working properly. If a collision or any "abnormal condition" is sensed, the Prius disables all high voltage circuits.
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| Through design and education, automakers will be able to show the safety of current and future hybrids. (Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Additionally, upon airbag deployment or if panic braking occurs, the engine and high voltage power is shut down to prepare for impact. Toyota has also made sure all high voltage cables and components are "heavily insulated, shielded, isolated and the cables are painted bright orange for easy identification."
"The Toyota Prius and its hybrid technology is truly an advancement in the automotive world and sometimes people are afraid when they are unfamiliar or receive false information," added Zellers. "As consumers recognize the advantages of hybrid-powered vehicles in terms of fuel mileage, cleaner emissions and a normal driving experience, the public as a whole will become very confident in the safety of these vehicles."