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We are thinking of buying a 2003 Signature Toyota Prius and was wondering about crash safety if the electric system or the battery are damaged.

With high voltage components in the car there must surely be some unusual crash risks with a hybrid.

Have you seen any information on this?

Peter

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I have not heard of any such issues with accidents involving Hybrids.

Listed is a quote from Toyota I found on a website when researching your question.

"The high voltage batteries are contained in an extremely strong steel protective case. In the event an abnormal condition is detected, all high voltage circuits are disabled and high voltage is contained inside the protective case. High voltage cables are heavily insulated, shielded and isolated."

I interpret the 'abnormal condition' to mean circumstances where the airbags are deployed or a fault is detected in the hybrid system itself.

Like the airbags, the hybrid wiring is coloured coded to warn against any tampering.

It's good to see you are looking at a late model Prius as the hybrid technology has come a long way since its inception in 1997.