Hybrid Batteries and car accidents?

[sxysweed]

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, it's a bit of a noob question as well.


From the time I spent screwing around with RC Cars, we started using a Lithium-Ion (Li-ion and Li-Po) batteries for our cars. Even the small 1:36 scale cars use them these days. But the batteries and chargers all carry warnings about overcharging the batteries or overheating them, because they basically explode. Some people even charged the batteries in a safe/bunker to be on the the safe side.

Do Hybrids carry the same risk? Like if the batteries get warm/hot/on fire from like a car accident, do they have the same risk of exploding or rupturing? And are the cars extra insulated to be safer in case this happens?

[Loren]

Good question!

I did some Googling on this (you should, too... plenty of good info out there from reputable sources). Learned a few things, and some things I already knew.

First, they have sophisticated charging systems that won't charge too fast or overcharge the batteries. Aside from safety issues, the battery pack represents $3-5k of the value of the car. This isn't kids playing with RC cars, 14v batteries and a $20 charger. These battery packs are a couple hundred volts, a lot of potential energy, and pretty serious business!

Apparently most (probably all) of the hybrids have an auto disconnect that kicks in when the airbags deploy. They also have a manual disconnect switch.

I didn't get so far as to look at info for emergency response personnel, but I know that firefighters and such are trained on how to deal with hybrid cars. I'm sure if one were involved in a fire, it could get ugly... but, so can gasoline.

Here are two articles that I read:
Hybrid Vehicle Safety Hazards
Hybrid Safety

Let us know if you find more info!