-i-
Foreword
In April 2006, Lexus release the 1
st
generation Lexus GS450h gasoline-
electric hybrid vehicle in North America. To educate and assist
emergency responders in the safe handling of Lexus GS450h
technology, Lexus published the 2007 GS450h Emergency Response
Guide.
With the release of the 2
nd
generation Lexus GS450h in March 2012, a
new 2013 Lexus GS450h Emergency Response Guide was published
for emergency responders. While many features from the 1
st
generation
model are similar, emergency responders should recognize and
understand the new, updated features of the 2
nd
generation GS450h
covered in this guide.
High voltage electricity powers the electric motor, generator, air
conditioning (A/C) compressor and inverter/converter. All other
automotive electrical devices such as the head lights, radio, and gauges
are powered from a separate 12 Volt auxiliary battery. Numerous
safeguards have been designed into the GS450h to help ensure the high
voltage, approximately 288 Volt, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack is kept safe and secure in an accident.
The GS450h utilizes the following electrical systems:
•
Maximum 650 Volts AC
•
Nominal 288 Volts DC
•
Maximum 46 Volts AC
•
Nominal 12 Volts DC
2
nd
generation GS450h Features:
•
Complete model change with a new exterior and interior design.
•
A boost converter in the inverter/converter that boosts the available
voltage to the electric motor to 650 Volts.
•
A high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack rated at 288 Volts.
•
A high voltage motor driven Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor
rated at 288 Volts
.
•
A body electrical system rated at 12 Volts, negative chassis ground.
•
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – dual stage frontal airbags,
knee airbags, front and rear seat side airbags, side curtain airbags
and front and rear outer seat belt pretensioners.
•
An Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor rated at 46 Volts.
High voltage electrical safety remains an important factor in the
emergency handling of the GS450h Lexus Hybrid Drive. It is
important to recognize and understand the disabling procedures and
warnings throughout the guide.
Additional topics in the guide include:
•
GS450h identification.
•
Major Lexus Hybrid Drive component locations and descriptions.
•
Extrication, fire, recovery, and additional emergency response
information.
•
Roadside assistance information.
2013 Model Year GS450h
2007 - 2012 Model Year GS450h
This guide is intended to assist emergency responders in the safe
handling of a GS450h vehicle during an incident.
NOTE:
Emergency Response Guides for Lexus hybrid and alternative fuel
vehicles may be viewed at http://techinfo.lexus.com.
