HYBRID CAR TECHNOLOGY AND
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Presented by Oxford Fire-EMS
WHAT IS A HYBRID?
The dictionary defines a hybrid as
something of mixed origin
A hybrid vehicle is one that combines a
smaller-than-normal internal combustion
gasoline engine with the electric motor of
an electric-powered vehicle
HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?
A hybrid car is a passenger vehicle that is
driven by a hybrid engine, which is an
engine that combines two or more sources
of power, generally gasoline and electricity
There are two types of gasoline-electric
hybrids:
• Parallel hybrid
• Series hybrid
HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?
Both use gasoline-electric hybrid
technology, but in radically different ways
Both have small gasoline engines
Both produce much less pollution than
standard gasoline cars
Both produce much less power – generally
between 60-90hp (the average gasoline
engine produces double that)
HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?
Both are constructed of ultra lightweight
materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to
overcome the power gap
Both are generally designed to be more
aerodynamic than most cars, allowing them
to “slice” through the air instead of pushing
it out of the way
HOW DO HYBRID CARS WORK?
Both use a process called regenerative braking to
store the kinetic energy generated by brake use in
the batteries, which in turn will power the electric
motor
Both use electric power at starts and stops, low
speeds (generally below 15mph)
Both use the gasoline engine at cruising or
highway speeds
HOW PARALLEL HYBRID
CARS WORK
Gasoline engine and electric motor work
together to move the car forward
HOW SERIES HYBRID
CARS WORK
Gasoline engine either directly powers an
electric motor that powers the vehicle, or
charges batteries that will power the battery
OTHER HYBRID TERMINOLOGY
Full Hybrid: Can move solely on electric
power
Mild Hybrid: Requires at least some gasoline
to power the transmission
Stop-Start Hybrids: Use electric power only
while idling or during vehicle deceleration
HYBRID VOLTAGE
Did you know that the following voltages are currently
used in North American passenger vehicles?
12 Volt – ALL vehicles
36 Volts – Saturn Vue
42 Volt – some conventional and hybrid models
72 Volt – NEVs
144 Volt – ALL Honda hybrids
300 Volt – Toyota first generation Prius hybrids
500 Volt – Toyota Prius (second generation)
650 Volt – Toyota Highlander SUV, Lexus RX 400h
and GS 450h hybrid
HYBRID VOLTAGE
Anyone know why some of the voltages on the
previous slide are listed in red?
HYBRID VOLTAGE
60 Volts can kill you!
20 Volts can be deadly if your
skin is wet or your standing
in water!
HYBRID MYTH BUSTERS
Truth About Hybrids
WHO MANUFACTURES AND
SELLS HYBRID
GASOLINE/ELECTRIC VEHICLES
IN THE USA?
With the recent releases of hybrids in the 2006
and 2007 model year cars, perhaps the question
should be, “Who doesn’t manufacture and sell
hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles?”!
The following slides show a majority of the
manufacturers and the hybrid models they offer.
Many more are due out in 2008 such as a hybrid
Cadillac Escalade.
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid Compact SUV
MSRP $26,000 - $28,000
City: 33 – 36mpg
Hwy: 29-31mpg
2006 Honda Accord Midsize Sedan
MSRP $18,225 - $32,990
City: 20-25mpg
Hwy: 29-34mpg
2006 Honda Civic Compact Sedan
MSRP $14,760-$23,650
City: 30-49mpg
Hwy: 40-51mpg
2006 Honda Insight Compact Coupe
MSRP $19,330-$21,530
City: 57mpg
Hwy: 56mpg
2006 Lexus RX 400h Midsize SUV
MSRP $44,660-$46,060
City: 31-33mpg
Hwy: 27-28mpg
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Compact SUV
MSRP $29,225
City:33mpg
Hwy: 29mpg
2006 Toyota Camry Midsize Sedan
MSRP $18,270 - $27,520
City:24-43mpg
Hwy: 31-37mpg
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Midsize
MSRP $33,030-39,290
City:31-33mpg
Hwy: 27-28mpg
2006 Toyota Prius Compact Sedan
MSRP $21,725
City:60mpg
Hwy: 51mpg
2007 Nissan Altima 2.5
MSRP $17,750
City:?
Hwy: ?
2007 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid Car
MSRP $54,900
City:25mpg
Hwy: 28mpg
2007 Saturn Vue
MSRP $23,000
City:23mpg
Hwy: 29mpg
2007 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan
MSRP $?
City:?
Hwy: ?
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid
MSRP $?
City:?
Hwy: ?
2007 Honda Fit Hybrid
MSRP $15,000
Hwy/City:60mpg
2007 Dodge Durango Hybrid
MSRP $?
City:?
Hwy:?
2007 Hyundai Accent Hybrid
MSRP $15,000
Hwy/City:45mpg
2007 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
MSRP $?
City:24mpg
Hwy: 35mpg
HOW DO WE LEARN ABOUT
THESE HYBRIDS?
Many manufactures offer on-site
training/familiarization through local dealers.
Most offer informational booklets or on-line
information geared for emergency procedures.
This technology is changing so rapidly, with no
standardization of the location of the batteries
and power cables that it is imperative we as
rescuers make this knowledge a priority!
Following is an on-line presentation found on the
GM site. This presentation was developed to
educate emergency workers.
GM Hybrid Trucks
Link to a Large 7MB file. Be Patient.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A HYBRID
VEHICLE
Quickest and easiest way for emergency
responders: All hybrid vehicles have
badge plates located on the sides and/or
rear of the vehicle
HOW TO IDENTIFY A HYBRID
VEHICLE
In place of a tachometer, a power meter
showing kW output is used
Do you notice orange (high voltage) or
blue (intermediate voltage) loom under
hood or running under vehicle?
Hybrid tag on motor
Auxiliary Power Output Operation button
on dash or 120VAC plugs noted in bed of
pickup
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
The “SLEEPING” Car Syndrome:
A hybrid characteristic we MUST be
aware of. Normally on a scene we can
hear a vehicle's engine running or see
its exhaust. Because a hybrid’s gas
engine shuts down when the car stops,
rescuers can be fooled into thinking the
car is off. A rescuer or victim could
accidentally hit the gas pedal, causing
the car to move and possible injure
other rescuers or bystanders.
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
The “SLEEPING” Car Syndrome:
Remember: Put hybrids in park,
remove the key to shut down the
system and chock the wheels
before you do anything!
Note: Some vehicles feature only
an electric button or switch to
place vehicle in park
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
The “SLEEPING” Car Syndrome:
If there is no key, the start/stop button
should be located somewhere on the
dash and the patient should have a key
fob. (manufacturers aren’t making the
task of shutting off the vehicles any
easier!)
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
The “SLEEPING” Car Syndrome:
Parking
Brake Button
Power
Button for
Engine
Start/Stop
Key Fob
Receiver
Toyota Prius Dash
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
Interrupt Technology
Gas-Electric systems use a technology
that disconnects the battery power if a
difference in voltage is detected. Should
the vehicle detect a voltage change, it will
disconnect the power feed to and from
the high voltage battery.
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
Interrupt Technology
Example: If the vehicle ends up in water,
such as a drainage ditch, the vehicle’s
computer automatically shuts down the
high-voltage system.
Remember: 20 Volts and wet skin are
deadly!
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
Interrupt Technology
Important: High-voltage systems also
disable or disconnect when air
bags have been deployed.
Note: We need to start paying more attention to
whether or not air bags have deployed. Not only
can an air bag decapitate an unwary rescuer, now
they can lead to the electrocution of the rescuer!
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
Interrupt Technology
If the high-voltage cables running under
the front of the vehicle were damaged as
in a severe crash or fully involved vehicle
fire, the high-voltage battery would short-
circuit. This would de-energize the entire
high-voltage battery circuit.
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
HIGH VOLTAGE LINES
Avoid cutting high-voltage wires during
vehicle rescue. MOST hybrids’ high voltage
lines run closer to the center of the vehicle
and down toward the rear, where the
battery is located. High voltage lines are
wrapped in orange loom.
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
GM Hybrid Pick-up Cutaway
120v
Electric
Starter/
Generator
42v
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
INTERMEDIATE VOLTAGE LINES
Saturn introduced its Vue for the 2007 model year.
The hybrid uses a 36V system. The engineers
explain that the vehicle’s 36V system is not
considered high voltage, the term used is
Intermediate Voltage and the lines are wrapped in
blue loom, instead of the orange loom that is
standard for high voltage lines in gas/electric hybrids
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
After disabling the vehicle, power is maintained for
90 seconds in the SRS system and
5 minutes in the high voltage electrical system.
If unable to perform the recommended disabling
procedures, found in the following slides, proceed
with caution as there is no assurance that the high
voltage electrical system, SRS or fuel pump are
disabled!
HYBRID CAR NEED TO KNOW
EMERGENCY FACTS
If you are unable to perform the
recommended disabling procedures, found
in the following slides, proceed with
caution as there is no assurance that the
high voltage electrical system, SRS or fuel
pump are disabled!
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
Extrication
Chock the wheels first!
1) Turn off ignition switch and remove key (if so equipped). This turns off the
engine and the motor, which prevents electric current from flowing into the
cables from the motor or high-voltage battery, and, turns off power to the
airbags and the seatbelt pre-tensioner.
2) After turning off the ignition switch, it is recommended that emergency
responders remove the key (if so equipped) so the car cannot be
inadvertently restarted. To let everyone at the crash scene know the key is
removed, give the key to the I/C, who will make a general announcement
regarding the key. At this point, the high-voltage system has been isolated.
This improves responder safety in and around the vehicle.
3) The next step is to shut down the 12V electrical system on the hybrid just as
we typically do on any conventional vehicle involve din an MVA.
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
Extrication
5) Locate the 12V battery. It may or may not be under the hood. In the Toyota
Prius it is located inside the driver’s rear wheelwell within the trunk. Either
disconnect or double cut first the negative and then the positive cable. This
disables the high-voltage battery controller, which prevents electric current
from flowing into the orange cables and the high-voltage battery.
6) With the ignition key turned off and removed and the 12V battery disabled,
the hybrid vehicle is safe to work on for vehicle rescue. High-voltage
electricity still exists, but it is isolated to the battery pack, generally in the
trunk of cars or under the rear passenger seat in pick-ups.
7) An alternative to disabling the 12V battery is to remove the HEV fuse,
generally located in the engine compartment junction box. When in doubt
pull all fuses in this box.
8) Stabilize the vehicle. Crib at four points directly under the front and rear
pillars. Do not place cribbing under high-voltage power cables, exhaust
system or fuel system.
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
Extrication
9) At this point conventional rescue techniques may be used, including cutting
of door hinges, modified dash roll, steering wheel displacement, etc.
However caution must be used at all times to avoid cutting any high or
intermediate-voltage lines.
10)Should a hybrid be involved in a rollover, end up on its roof, this may
prevent access to the engine compartment and disabling of the 12V battery
may not be possible. This poses a serious threat. If access to the 12V
battery is not hindered, extrication can be handled as in any conventional
vehicle rollover.
11) The removal of the roof of hybrids such as the Toyota Prius may be easily
accomplished by opening the hatch to gain access for cutting of the pillars.
The hatch will need to be opened manually with pry tools because 12V
power is needed to open the hatch.
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
12) Hybrid identification tags are located in the rear and/or sides of
the vehicle. Severe impacts in these areas could destroy or hide
the identification tags. You must be sure to look for other hybrid
identifications, make sure you are aware of the models on the
road, and when in doubt assume the vehicle is a hybrid until
proven otherwise.
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
Extrication
Are Special Tools Needed?
Depends on who you listen to. Most manufacturers don’t recommend any
special equipment or PPE. Certified Electric Lineman’s gloves are
recommended to be worn by technicians servicing the vehicle.
Some departments are refusing to extinguish fires in hybrids due to the
possible dangers.
There was even an extensive number of articles regarding a department
refusing to do extrication without special PPE.
Most departments acknowledge the need for awareness and caution and
understand that extrication and fire suppression can be handled with very
little change from the normal approach used with conventional vehicles.
But for that added safety involving extrication from an electric/gas hybrid
check out the following:
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
FIRE
1) A fire involving a hybrid vehicle can be handled by following normal vehicle
firefighting procedures. In a typical vehicle fire incident, the engine
compartment, interior of vehicle or trunk area are burning. By following
generally accepted fire suppression guidelines, crews attack the fire with an
adequate water flow rate, working from a safe position of approach.
2) SCBA is worn throughout the incident.
3) The initial fire attack should be a fast and aggressive attack.
4) Fire crews may not be able to identify a hybrid until the fire has been
knocked down and overhaul operations have commenced.
5) The wheels should be chocked as soon as safely possible.
6) During overhaul, the same steps defined in the extrication module should be
used to disable the high-voltage system. (shut down power, disable 12V
system)
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
FIRE
7) Fire suppression crews will not be shocked or electrocuted during attack on
a hybrid vehicle fire, even if flames are impinging on the battery pack itself.
8) There are potential, unique problems involving fire situations with hybrid
vehicles. Any fire where there is direct flame impingement on the high-
voltage battery pack would be an example. A fire that has originated within
the battery pack itself or an electrical fire that begins somewhere within the
high-voltage electrical system would also require special precautions.
9) Radiant heat could cause the modules inside the high-voltage battery to
melt just as any plastic material would exposed to high temperatures. If
heated sufficiently, it is possible the plastic casings could melt down,
exposing the inner components of the high-voltage battery.
10)Copious amounts of water should be used quickly to eliminate radiant heat
to the battery box and begin cooling the plastic battery cell modules in the
high-voltage battery pack itself.
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
FIRE
11) Should a fire in the Ni-MH HV battery pack occur, the I/C will have to decide
whether to pursue an offensive or defensive.
12) If a melted nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery is encountered, the I/C may
want the nearest dealer of the vehicle notified to send a designated battery
recovery specialist to the scene to deal with the damaged battery.
13) In the Ni-MH Product Safety Data Sheet, responders are advised that
virtually all fires involving Ni-MH batteries can be controlled with water. The
information sheet also recommends “In case of fire where nickel metal
batteries are present, apply a smothering agent such as METL-X, sand, dry
ground dolomite, soda ash, or flood the area with water. A smothering agent
will extinguish burning nickel metal hydride batteries.”
14) Class D extinguishers are the recommended extinguisher to use with Ni-
MH batteries. But…….
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
FIRE
15) Not all Class D extinguishers are equal. Some contain particles of metal
such as copper. Copper, for example, is one metal that may actually cause
an adverse reaction with the high-voltage battery and generate hydrogen
gas. In a small space, such as a trunk, this could cause an explosion.
16) Large amounts of water will not be able to directly attack a fire burning
inside the battery pack unit itself. The metal cover of the pack prevents a
direct attack on the internal cells of the battery. The water application,
however, will cool the adjacent battery cells. Burning Ni-MH batteries will
burn themselves out. Applying sufficient amounts of water will cool the metal
housing of the battery pack and control the fire until the battery modules that
are actually on fire burn themselves out. DO NOT EVER REMOVE THE
COVER OF THE HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK!
HYBRID CAR EMERGENCY
PROCEDURES
FIRE
17) When water is used to extinguish Ni-MH battery fires, some hydrogen gas
may evolve. In this situation ventilation will be needed to prevent a build up
of the gas. Leaving the trunk, hatchback or battery compartment cover open
is advised to ensure ventilation of the gas. If there is a concern that
hydrogen gas is present, and ventilation is not possible, fire smothering
agents are recommended.
18) A battery fire WILL produce toxic fumes, including oxides of nickel cobalt,
aluminum, manganese, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium and praseodymium.
Because of this, SCBA must be worn throughout the fire attack and during
overhaul.
18)In addition, keep the “hot zone” clear of unnecessary personnel. Keep all
“hot zone” personnel fully protected with structural clothing that addresses
Level 3 hazmat personal protective clothing criteria and SCBA.
THE FUTURE OF HYBRID CAR
TECHNOLOGY
Hybrid concept car
BMW’s BRIGHT IDEA
BMW has emerged onto the hybrid gas-electric vehicle scene with its X3
SUV that features super capacitors instead of batteries to store energy. The
“super caps” are located in the rocker panel area of the X3 to give it a low
center of gravity. According to the X3 design engineers, “The energy stored
in these capacitors should be completely dissipated by the time rescuers
arrive on scene to remove a patient from a vehicle” As in other hybrids,
these vehicles disable, or in this case dissipate, the energy stored upon
collision, but the capacitors don’t retain a charge like battery-powered
systems.
DO HYBRID CARS SCARE YOU?
LOOK AT THE NEWEST FUEL HYBRID
TECHNOLOGY
Know what
these are?
Found in Ford E450 Commuter vans at many airports.
Found in buses in Germany since 1998 with tanks stored on top.
Reminder!
STEPS TO SECRURING HYBRID VEHICLE
1. Chock wheels
2. Remove/Find Key
3. Give key to I/C
4. I/C makes general announcement regarding key
5. Locate power button/Shut off power
6. Engage emergency brake
7. Cut negative 12V cable
8. Cut positive 12V cable
9. Do not touch or cut any orange or blue loom!
10. Wait 5 minutes before making any cuts for extrication!
HYBRID CAR TECHNOLOGY AND
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Any questions?