-i-
Foreword
In April 2005, Lexus released the Lexus RX 400h gasoline-electric
hybrid vehicle in North America. Except where noted in this guide,
basic vehicle systems and features for the RX 400h are the same as
those on the conventional, non-hybrid, Lexus RX 3
5
0. To educate and
assist emergency responders in the safe handling of the RX 400h hybrid
technology, Lexus published this RX 400h Emergency Response Guide.
High voltage electricity powers the electric motors, generator,
inverter/converter, and power steering. All other automotive electrical
devices such as the headlights, radio, and gauges are powered from a
separate 12-Volt battery. Numerous safeguards have been designed
into the RX 400h 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 RX 400h utilizes the following electrical systems:
•
Maximum 650-Volts AC
•
Nominal 288-Volts DC
•
Nominal 42-Volts DC
•
Nominal 12-Volts DC
RX 400h Features:
•
Adoption of
Hybrid Synergy Drive
as the name for the Lexus
Gasoline - Electric Hybrid System.
•
Hybrid Synergy Drive
includes a boost converter in the inverter
assembly that boosts to 650-Volts the available voltage to the
electric motors.
•
The high voltage hybrid vehicle battery pack rated at 288-Volts.
•
A high voltage motor driven air conditioning compressor rated at
288-Volts
•
A high voltage Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor rated at
42-Volts.
•
Body electrical system rated at 12-Volts negative chassis ground.
•
Both two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD)
configurations are available.
•
4WD models include an additional 650-Volt electric motor to drive
the rear wheels.
•
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - dual stage frontal airbags,
driver knee airbag, front seat side airbags, curtain shield airbags,
and front seat belt pretensioners.
High voltage electrical safety is an important factor in the emergency
handling of the RX 400h
Hybrid Synergy Drive
system. It is important
to recognize and understand the disabling procedures and warnings
throughout the guide.
Additional topics contained in the guide include:
•
Lexus RX 400h identification.
•
Major
Hybrid Synergy Drive
component locations and descriptions.
•
Extrication, fire, recovery, and additional emergency response
information.
•
Roadside assistance information.
200
7
Model Year RX 400h
By following the information in this guide, emergency responders
should be able to mitigate a rescue involving the Lexus RX 400h
hybrid vehicle safely.