Identifying Hybrid Vehicles

It is important that first responders are able to quickly identify the presence of a hybrid vehicle at the scene of a car accident.

Since all but two of the available hybrid models were designed using a pre-existing model chassis, emergency responders must always consider that even familiar looking vehicles could be a hybrid. The Honda Insight (Figure A) and the Toyota Prius (Figure B) are the only models designed specifically as a hybrid. The Insight is no longer being produced after the 2006 model year.


Honda Insight (Figure A)	Toyota Prius (Figure B)

Identification of a hybrid can essentially be broken down into two methods; formal and informal. Formal methods include the search for hybrid “badges” or logos while informal methods focus on those characteristics of a hybrid which are not found on standard vehicles.

Although hybrid symbols are often the easiest and most obvious method of identification, they may be located in an area that could be damaged or rendered invisible after a collision.

One should not assume that a vehicle is not a hybrid based on the lack of a readily visible emblem. Some models, such as the Lexus RX400h, (Figure C) do not utilize a traditional hybrid emblem; only the “h” in RX400h signifies the vehicle is a hybrid.
	Lexus RX 400h (Figure C)

Hybrid logos are typically found on the rear of the vehicle or on the front or rear doors. (Figures D-E)


(Figure D)	(Figure E)

On models where the logo only appears on the trunk or hatchback, the potential exists for it to become “hidden” in a rear end collision. The words “Hybrid” or “IMA” can also be found on a plastic cowling in the engine compartment (Figure F). You may also find these terms on the dashboard or display inside the vehicles (Figure G)


(Figure F)	(Figure G)

There are several informal identification methods which can also be helpful to responders. The most notable is the car manufacturer’s use of the orange cable for high voltage lines. These cables can be found in the engine compartment, on the underside of the vehicle and the area where the battery is stored (Figures H-I).


(Figure H)	(Figure I)

Care must be taken, however, when looking for the orange cable on the underside of the vehicle. Many manufactures have covered up a good portion of the colored cable with cladding that is most often black. Several models, such as the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner and the Toyota Highlander (Figure J), have only a few inches of visible orange high voltage lines. The ERG for the Nissan Altima Hybrid has indicated that the high voltage cables under the vehicle are completely encased in a black plastic protector.

(Figure J)

High voltage warning labels or symbols should also be visible in the areas where the orange cables are present (Figure K)


	(Figure K)

Hybrids may also use yellow medium voltage cables to power air conditioning and power steering features. Blue medium voltage cables can be found in some Start/Stop hybrid systems such as those found in the Saturn VUE Hybrid.

Another less obvious informal identification method includes visible battery vents. Since the continual discharge and recharge of the high voltage battery system produces heat, car designers have incorporated vents to help cool the batteries.

Not all models have vents which are visible, but responders should be on the lookout for the following. The early version of the Toyota Prius had a vent in the driver’s side “C” post (Figure L). The Ford Escape – Mercury Mariner has a vent which can be found in the driver’s side rear quarter glass (Figure M).


(Figure L)	(Figure M)

The Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX400h battery vents are visible under the rear passenger seat (Figure N) and several of the hybrid sedans incorporate vents into their rear decks. Typically these vents are located in the relative vicinity of the battery pack for efficiency.
	(Figure N)

Dashboard indicators, depending on the make and model, may include a battery “status” gauge which indicates whether it is being charged or assisting with vehicle propulsion (Figure O). You may also come across a kW gauge which replaces the standard RPM gauge. Several models have incorporated some type of “Ready” indicator into their dash which indicates to the driver that the vehicle is on and ready to move even if the engine is off. (Figure P).


	(Figure P)

(Figure O)