In May 2000 and October 2003, Toyota introduced the 1st and 2nd generation Toyota Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles in North America. To educate and assist emergency responders in the safe handling of Toyota Prius technology, Toyota published the 2000 and 2004 Toyota Prius Emergency Response Guides.
Toyota Prius With the release of the 3rd generation Toyota Prius in May 2009, a new 2010 Toyota Prius Emergency Response Guide was published for emergency responders. While many features from the 1st and 2nd generation Prius models are similar, emergency responders should recognize and understand the new, updated features of the Prius covered in this guide.
The Prius smart key system consists of a smart key transceiver that communicates bi-directionally, enabling the vehicle to recognize the smart key in proximity to the vehicle. Once recognized, the smart key will allow the user to lock and unlock the doors without pushing smart key buttons, and start the vehicle without inserting it into an ignition switch.
Hybrid Synergy Drive Operation
Once the READY indicator is illuminated in the instrument cluster, the vehicle may be driven. However, the gasoline engine does not idle like a typical automobile and will start and stop automatically. It is important to recognize and understand the READY indicator provided in the instrument cluster. When lit, it informs the driver that the vehicle is on and operational even though the gasoline engine may be off and the engine compartment is silent.
Solar Ventilation System
The solar ventilation system uses energy provided by a solar panel built into the roof to operate the blower fan contained within the air conditioning system. This allows ventilation of the vehicle interior when the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight. The solar panel is located on the roof above the rear passenger space, as shown in the illustration. It consists of 36 poly crystalline silicon solar cells connected in series, and is primarily constructed from glass, potting material, silicon, silver and aluminum compounds, and a back sheet. The solar panel generates a nominal 60 Watts of electricity, and although the voltage and current output vary by temperature and sunlight intensity, the panel does not produce high voltage. For example, the solar panel output is 22 Volts on an average sunny day (77oF, 25oC) and has a maximum output of 27 Volts in sub zero temperatures (-22oF, -30oC). The maximum current of 3.6 Amps occurs at full sunlight intensity.
Safety Concerns
The Prius solar panel is similar to the ones used in residential or commercial buildings except it does not operate at high voltage and does not use storage batteries. Since voltage is generated when the solar panel is exposed to sunlight, the output wire may be energized even after the vehicle is shut off and the 12 Volt auxiliary battery is disconnected. Current will only flow if the solar ventilation blower fan circuit is turned on. The solar panel output wire is not electrically connected to the 12 Volt auxiliary battery, SRS airbags, or the HV battery pack. The solar panel output will not back feed power to these circuits.
Breaking or cutting the solar panel is generally not a hazard except for injury that may occur from material fragments.