Next-Generation Vehicles

Essential safety tips for handling Next-Generation Vehicles like hybrids and EVs. Learn to secure vehicles, stop systems, and manage high-voltage components safely.

Overview
In Japan, the adoption of next-generation vehicles, such as hybrid and electric cars, is accelerating as part of measures to combat global warming. These vehicles operate using high voltage, and safety measures to prevent electric shocks for passengers are mandated by the Road Transport Vehicle Act. However, in the event of a severe collision, the risk of electric shock increases. Therefore, it is essential to establish safety protocols, including preventing electric shock, to ensure the safety of firefighters during rescue operations. Quick and safe response methods for accidents involving these vehicles are also necessary.

One of the simplest ways to identify a next-generation vehicle is by checking for emblems affixed to the car. These emblems often display labels such as “HYBRID” and are located on the rear door, near the front fender, or on the side bumper. However, not all next-generation vehicles have such emblems. Thus, it is also vital to ask the driver about the vehicle’s power source.

Modern vehicles may also have high-voltage cables or components marked in specific colors, typically orange or other warning colors, within the engine compartment. These markings help firefighters identify high-voltage systems during rescue operations and implement necessary safety measures.

Furthermore, ongoing education and training on the features of next-generation vehicles, safety precautions, and response strategies during accidents are crucial for fire departments and emergency services. This knowledge ensures not only the safety of rescued individuals but also the safety of rescuers themselves through quick and effective responses at accident scenes.

References
Vehicle registration certificates or caution plates (usually located inside the engine room or door panels) provide essential information, such as:

MODEL (TYPE): Vehicle model
ENGINE: Engine type
CHASSIS No. (FRAME): Vehicle identification number
TRANS/AXLE: Transmission type
COLOR (PAINT): Exterior color

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during rescue operations in traffic accidents is crucial to ensure the safety of rescuers and minimize risks. Below are some common types of PPE and their purposes:

Helmet: Protects the head from impacts and falling objects, essential during activities involving potential head injuries or cuts.
Goggles: Shields eyes from dust, debris, or chemical splashes, ensuring clear vision during rescue operations.
Mask: Protects the respiratory system, reducing risks from particles, harmful chemicals, and infections.
Infection-Resistant Clothing: Guards the body from liquids, blood, or other fluids, allowing safe work without direct contact.
Pads (Knee and Elbow): Protects joints during tasks that require various body postures.
Gloves: Offers physical protection (e.g., Kevlar or leather gloves) or hygienic safety (e.g., disposable gloves), depending on the task.
Safety Vest: Enhances visibility with reflective materials, ensuring rescuers can be seen in low-light or poor visibility conditions.
Insulated Gear: Includes helmets, gloves, clothing, and boots to prevent electric shocks, particularly essential for accidents involving electric or hybrid vehicles.
Fire-Resistant Clothing and Pants: Protects against fire hazards, often used with air-breathing apparatuses when necessary.

Activities for Handling Hybrid Vehicles

Summary of Required Actions
Below is a summary of essential activities for handling hybrid vehicles. These steps should be carefully followed to ensure safe maintenance and rescue operations:

1. Securing the Vehicle

Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks to prevent the car from moving.
Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake to secure the vehicle.
Shift Lever Adjustment: Set the shift lever to the “P” (Park) position.

2. Pre-Treatment of Auxiliary Systems

Adjust Power Seats: For vehicles with power seats, adjust them as needed.
Open Door Windows: Open the door windows to ensure a safe working environment.
Unlock Doors and Open Rear Door: Unlock the doors and open the rear door to allow easier access to the interior.

Note: Complete these operations before disconnecting the auxiliary battery, as controls will become inoperable after disconnection.

3. Stopping the Hybrid System

Check Hybrid System Status: Even if the engine is off, the hybrid system may still be active. Verify the status using the “READY” indicator on the dashboard. If the “READY” light is off, the system is stopped.
Ensure Safety: If the hybrid system is not turned off (IGN OFF), risks such as sudden deployment of airbags or severe injury from high-voltage components remain. Always confirm the system is off before rescue activities.

These steps are crucial for safely handling hybrid vehicles. Confirming the hybrid system’s shutdown is one of the most important steps for safe rescue or maintenance.

Methods to Stop a Hybrid System

To safely stop a hybrid vehicle’s system during emergencies or maintenance, here are three clear methods:

Method 1: Basic Operation

Confirm READY Indicator:
Check if the “READY” light on the dashboard is lit. If it is, the system is active.
Operate Power Switch:
Press the power switch once to stop the hybrid system. Confirm that the dashboard and “READY” light are off.
Note: If the “READY” light is already off, the system is inactive. Avoid pressing the power switch again, as this will restart the system.
Manage Smart Key:
Keep the smart key (electronic key) at least 5 meters away from the vehicle.
Disconnect Auxiliary Battery:
Disconnect the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery in the luggage compartment to prevent system restart or electrical fires.

Method 2: If the Power Switch Cannot Be Operated

Open the Bonnet:
Open the hood and remove the fuse box cover in the engine compartment.
Remove Fuse:
Locate and remove the IG2 fuse (blue, 15A). If it cannot be found, remove all fuses.
Disconnect Auxiliary Battery:
Disconnect the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery in the luggage compartment.

Method 3: Using Insulated Gloves

Locate Lithium-Ion Battery:
Identify the position of the lithium-ion battery.
Remove Service Plug:
Wearing insulated gloves, follow these steps:
- Slide the service plug.
- Lift the lever forward.
- Pull out the plug.
Disconnect Auxiliary Battery:
Disconnect the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery in the luggage compartment.

About the Service Plug

What Is a Service Plug?
The service plug is a critical safety component in hybrid vehicles (HEV), electric vehicles (EV), and fuel cell vehicles (FCV). It physically disconnects the vehicle’s high-voltage system, allowing safe maintenance and repair. By removing the service plug, power supply to batteries and high-voltage parts is stopped, reducing the risk of electric shock.

Precautions When Removing the Service Plug

Check Safety: Ensure the vehicle is off and the power switch is off before starting work.
Wear Insulated Gloves: Always wear insulated gloves when handling high-voltage components.
Follow Proper Procedure: Locate the service plug according to the label and follow the specified removal steps (slide, lift lever, pull).

After removing the plug, high-voltage electricity may remain in the system for a few minutes. Continue wearing protective gear until the system is confirmed safe.

Handling Water-Submerged Vehicles

When a hybrid or electric vehicle is submerged in water, consider the following precautions:

Waterproof High-Voltage Battery: Most high-voltage batteries are waterproof, and minimal submersion (e.g., during heavy rain) generally does not allow water to enter. Exceptions include cases where batteries are installed inside the cabin.
Low Risk of Electric Shock in Water: If the vehicle is undamaged, the risk of electric shock is low. However, turn off the power switch or follow the service manual’s procedures for safety. Always wear insulated protective gear.
Insulation from the Body: High-voltage batteries are insulated from the vehicle body, so touching the car’s exterior while submerged does not usually cause electric shock unless the vehicle is severely damaged.
Automatic Power Shutdown: If the 12V battery power is cut, the high-voltage battery’s main relay is automatically turned off, breaking the circuit.
Check Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling submerged vehicles.

These guidelines provide a basic framework for managing water-submerged electric vehicles. Specific actions depend on the vehicle model and circumstances, so consult experts and manufacturer guidelines.