CRN PHEV Field Report Update

CRN PHEV Field Report Update

On June 7, 2008, the converted Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owned by Central Electric Power Cooperative in Columbia, SC, was destroyed by an internal fire that occurred during a routine drive. Thankfully, there were no injuries.  But the converted Prius was destroyed. The cause of the fire is not known.

Until further investigation, CRN has advised grounding all test vehicles in the PHEV demonstration and is undertaking a detailed investigation. The limited information available is as follows:
The car was a 2008 Toyota Prius outfitted with the Hybrids-Plus PHEV15 conversion kit. 
There was no data logger installed.

The vehicle had previously experienced minor mechanical issues relating to the charger.

The fire occurred during routine highway driving. The upholstery in the back seat had caught on fire.

The driver pulled over, exited the car, and there was a subsequent explosion.

The A123 lithium-ion battery was damaged but remained largely intact and functioning.
CRN has taken the following actions. It has employed Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation (ETEC) of Phoenix, AZ, to perform an initial investigation on the PHEV.  This firm has come highly recommended due to its experience with failure analysis and electric cars.  The firm will work to determine the cause of the fire and make recommendations if more specialized forensics experts are needed to complete the investigation.

Read the entire article at CRN PHEV Field Report Update.