Other safety considerations

1. Chemical

Aside from the high-voltage risk, there’s a chemical risk from the potassium hydroxide electrolyte employed by nickel metal hydride high-voltage batteries used on most hybrids. This strong alkaline can be diluted with a solution of boric acid (which can be bought in a pharmacy) which has itself been diluted with water in a 40:1 ratio.

2. Fire

Fire is a high risk where lithiumion batteries are employed. If you detect excessive heat, or see smoke emanating from the battery pack, isolate the highvoltage system, if possible. Should the battery become damaged, the chemicals can combine and cause thermal runaway, which results in fire, or an explosion. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire; stand at a safe distance and call the emergency services immediately.

3. Magnetic fields

The motor/generator employs neodymium magnets that are up to 18 times stronger than conventional types. While they can destroy mobile phones, credit card data and the like, they can also cause issues with certain medical devices, such as pacemakers.