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Foreword
In April 2005, Lexus released the Lexus RX 400h gasoline-electric
hybrid vehicle in North America. To educate and assist emergency
responders in the safe handling of Lexus RX 400h technology, Lexus
published the 2006 Lexus RX 400h Emergency Response Guide.
With the release of the Lexus RX 450h in March 2009, a new 2010
Lexus RX 450h Emergency Response Guide was published for
emergency responders. While many features from the RX 400h model
are similar, emergency responders should recognize and understand the
new, updated features of the RX 450h covered in this guide.
High voltage electricity powers the electric motors, generator, and
inverter/converter. All other automotive electrical devices such as the
headlights, radio, and gauges are powered from a separate 12 Volt
auxiliary battery. Numerous safeguards have been designed into the
RX 450h 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 450h utilizes the following electrical systems:
• Maximum 650 Volts AC
• Nominal 288 Volts DC
• Maximum 46 Volts AC / DC
• Nominal 12 Volts DC
RX 450h Features:
• Complete model change with a new exterior and interior design.
•
Adoption of the smart access system with push button start.
•
A boost converter in the inverter/converter that boosts to 650 Volts
the available voltage to the electric motors.
• A high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack rated at 288 Volts.
• High voltage motor driven Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor
rated at 288 Volts.
• An Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist motor rated at 46 Volts.
• Optional Active Stabilizer Suspension System motors rated at 46
Volts.
• A body electrical system rated at 12 Volts, negative chassis ground.
• Both Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and All Wheel Drive (AWD)
models are available.
• Front and rear (AWD models only) 650 Volt electric motors.
• Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) – dual stage frontal airbags,
front and rear seat mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front
and rear seat belt pretensioners, and front knee airbags.
High voltage electrical safety remains an important factor in the
emergency handling of the RX 450h Lexus Hybrid Drive. It is
important to recognize and understand the disabling procedures and
warnings throughout the guide.
Additional topics in the guide include:
• RX 450h identification.
•
Major Lexus Hybrid Drive component locations and descriptions.
•
Extrication, fire, recovery, and additional emergency response
information.
•
Roadside assistance information.
2010 Model Year
RX 450h
2006 – 2009 Model Year
RX 400h
This guide is intended to assist emergency responders in the safe
handling of a RX 450h vehicle during an incident.
NOTE:
Emergency Response Guides for Lexus hybrid vehicles may be viewed at
http://techinfo.lexus.com.