What is a hybrid vehicle?

Hybrids are vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor as the power source. Add a sophisticated transmission and powerful batteries and it's a recipe that makes the most of gasoline, the one fuel that's available in all fifty states--at more than 180,000 stations. Hybrids utilize the electric motor and battery storage to maximize the fuel economy from standard gasoline-burning engines. Depending upon the design and usage, hybrids can boast up to 30 percent fuel savings (sometimes more) over a comparable gasoline vehicle. And that translates into less greenhouse gases spewed into the environment also. Best of all, hybrids are designed for ease of use--just hop in and go.

Are Hybrid Vehicles Safe?

Yes, hybrid vehicles are just as safe to drive as any gasoline-powered vehicle. Manufacturers design them to withstand the same crash specifications as normal cars and they come with the same airbag and restraint systems. Really, the only area that is of any concern is the high voltage circuits for the drive motor assembly. These components are clearly marked with the cables wrapped in bright orange casing and are not located in any areas where the vehicle occupants would ordinarily encounter them.

Hybrid Vehicle Safety

Hybrid vehicles use high voltage batteries and electric motors to achieve their fuel economy gains. The battery packs quite a wallop, 144 volts on a Honda Insight or Civic, 201 volts on a second-generation (2004) Toyota Prius (which is bumped up to 500 volts by the power inverter at the electric motors!), 275 volts on a first-generation Toyota Prius (2001-03), 288 volts on a Lexus RX400H and Toyota Highlander, and 330 volts on a Ford Escape Hybrid. This is more than enough juice to toast anyone who accidentally comes into contact with the high voltage battery, wiring or power train components.

HYBRID SAFETY

The high voltage components in most hybrids are color-coded ORANGE, and on the Toyota hybrids the battery pack relays automatically open and disconnect the battery if a collision is severe enough to deploy the airbags. But that's no protection for technicians who may have to service these vehicles.

The recommended protection is to wear Class 0 rated insulated gloves, which are rated to 1000 volts AC, and must not have any tears, pinholes or cuts. You should test the integrity of the gloves by rolling them up toward the fingers to see if they hold air. If they do not, throw the gloves away and buy new gloves. You should also use insulated tools when working on high voltage hybrid components.

Also, you must make sure the vehicle is OFF before you begin any electrical or mechanical repairs on any hybrid powertrain components.

Actually, hybrid vehicles are not as dangerous to work on as they might seem at first. If the key is off and the key is out of the vehicle, the hybrid system is powered down. The battery can't shock you unless you go poking around the high voltage battery connections with bare hands or uninsulated tools. Even so, always treat the high
voltage hybrid battery and electrical components with caution.

Always disconnect the high voltage hybrid battery BEFORE doing any major repair work or electrical work. See the instructions in the vehicle owner's manual or manufacturer service literature for details. Most manufacturers also recommend waiting 5 to 15 minutes before working on the vehicle after the battery has been
isolated or disconnected. This gives the high voltage capacitors time to discharge so there is no residual voltage to pose a shock hazard.