1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

fire wall around battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by FIVER, Nov 30, 2009.

  1. FIVER

    FIVER New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2009
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    los angeles
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Can anyone tell me what protection Toyota put in place to protect the passengers from the battery if an electrical fire starts in the battery? Traditional car design puts a fire wall between the front of the car and the interior so if a fire starts under the hood it can't travel back to the interior. A firewall is also located around the gas tank. Can anyone tell me about the design of the prius and the history of changes in car design and firewall protection warranted by this new technology?
    I know its a lot to ask but if anyone's got the info I would really appreciate it!
    fiver:)
     
    #1 FIVER, Nov 30, 2009
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,482
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    The battery is enclosed in a sheet steel case. 2G Prius has a hatch design, so if a battery fire were to start it would be a good idea to get out of the car as soon as possible.

    The good news is that I haven't noticed any 2G owner posts regarding a battery fire. There were a few Classic battery fires in the past.

    If a fire were to start under the hood of a normal automobile, you would be well advised to get out of the car as soon as possible regardless of the presence of a firewall.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Nov 30, 2009
  3. mike lipke

    mike lipke New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2009
    89
    15
    0
    Location:
    MN
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    History? Firewall is a word carried over from steam motorcars at the turn of the last century. Not really a fire wall. Fires under the hood of a care don't stay there long. Volkswagons had batteries under the rear seats. My '67 Chevy pickup had the GAS TANK!!! right behind the seat in the cab. Not one of GM's better ideas.

    I don't know that I've ever heard of a battery fire. Heard of them exploding though. Happened in that same '67 Chevy PU. Turned the key, boom. Nothing. Opened the hood, top of battery gone.
    We've come a long way in safety area. I'm not worried about the battery in the back of the Prius underneath all that shrouding, padding and carpeting.
     
    #3 mike lipke, Nov 30, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)