Hybird Battery - Any potential issues if vehicle is in a major collision?

[lrettura]

I was really convinced that was all in on a hybrid for the added power more than efficiency. Currently own Tacoma 6cylinder w/5 speed transmission. The only thing I ever didn’t like, was the lack of power and forever gear searching. Everything else including engine and transmission are admittedly bullet proof. That said, I recently began to wonder are there any risks with a hybrid battery in a major collision and did not have any information on it. Has anyone else looked into this question or have any information on this subject?

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[Joestac]

Seems like a question that does not need an answer. These things are not new, if there were, you wouldn't have to ask the question it would just be known to avoid them.

 

[LLL1990]

Toyotas have been making hybrids for over 25 years, I think that's long enough to prove they're safe in collisions.

 

[brumey]

I would suggest the risks are slightly higher in a hybrid but that is just a logical conclusion I have. The classic risks could be fire. I don’t know if the battery chemistry is but some are flammable if damaged and exposed to air.

As stated, I would think Toyota have mitigated the risks as much as possible but technically, its probably less safe that a non-hybrid.

I would also speculate that the insurance companies may charge more too. Not as bad as an all electric vehicle but, higher.

Crash test data maybe available for hybrid and non-hybrid. I have not looked it up as I did not want the hybrid but it might be worth looking at if available.

 

[LuLu6G]

Our Toyota 2012 Camry with almost 200K miles still on same hybrid battery

 

[CO/ZA]

About 3yrs ago, a Toyota prius burnt down in our neighborhood.

I don't know the circumstances, but you can still see the scorching on the pavement from the intense flames of the battery.

 

[127.0.0.1]

is your 4runner battery pack lithium or not ?
no

4runner hybrids have NIMH packs. almost zero fire danger if split apart

it is the lithium packs you need to worry about in a collision
---------
aside from that, in any major collision... the pack should be pulled
and inspected, 'cuz that is a lot of cells slapped together in series
and severe jolting could cause electric problems within the pack
and could trigger limp mode

but fire danger is almost null. if they are damaged they can produce hydrogen
gas (via internal short and overheating) and that gas could ignite. but no where
near the same danger as [lithium which when simply exposed to air will ignite]
nimh can be exposed to air all day it won't do anything


https://www.batteryuniversity.com/

Note: In many Toyota hybrid models (like standard RAV4 Hybrids), lithium-ion is sometimes used in specific trims (e.g., SE) while others use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) (e.g., XLE)

 

[lrettura]

Thanks, makes sense I guess there is a tendency to think Hybrid is a “new” design concept but actually you’re correct they have been around for a while with Toyota. Great point!

 

[lrettura]

Appreciate the input on NIHM versus Lithium Battery, very helpful thank you.

 

[photorunner]

I’m just going to add that unlike passenger cars, the batteries in the 4Runner are inside the fully boxed steel frame, so even in a rear end collision there should be less of a chance they would rupture just because of the way 4Runners are built vs unibody cars.

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