Some Risks of Hybrid Cars

Although hybrid cars offer great savings on gas and are more environment friendly than their conventional counterparts, they do pose certain risks.

Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.

The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.

Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.

Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.

However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.