University of Extrication: Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Identification: Volvo XC90 T8

SUBJECT: Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Identification
TOPIC: 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid
OBJECTIVE: Understand the distinguishing features of a Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid vehicle
TASK: Given a Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid vehicle to inspect, the rescue team shall locate and identify the features listed in the sidebar checklist

This author was able to conduct some research on several new-model Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid vehicles recently. Production is underway and the hybrid model will hit the streets in the U.S. by late 2015. There is a significant challenge presented by this vehicle; something that can make a big difference at an incident scene.

What is important for responders to note about this new model is that although it is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, on the exterior it looks almost exactly the same as the gasoline engine XC90 model. Similar appearances would not be an issue for responders if there were adequate exterior means of identifying the hybrid version from the conventional gasoline engine vehicle. In this case, however, there are hardly any exterior differences between the two vehicles and no distinct interior indicators either. Lack of proper exterior badging on a hybrid or electric plug-in vehicle can result in fire, medical and law enforcement personnel being delayed in initiating proper mitigation steps at the incident scene. This could mean that responders would be operating at a higher risk because they would be unaware of features such as the high-voltage electrical system and the lithium-ion battery present in the vehicle.

On the exterior of the new Volvo XC90 T8 hybrid are only two slight clues that the vehicle is in fact the hybrid XC90 T8. An alert responder surveying the vehicle at the crash or fire scene as they arrive might be able to observe a circular cover door on the driver’s front fender. That is assuming that the front fender on this side is still intact and that the cover door is visible. This cover opens to reveal the power plug-in charging port used to recharge the hybrid. The presence of charging port covers is becoming a more frequent means of identifying the presence of a plug-in-hybrid vehicle at an incident scene. Responders, especially first-due officers, should train themselves to make the conscious effort to begin checking areas such as both front fenders and both rear fenders of vehicles at incidents just to see if the vehicle might be a plug-in hybrid or an electric plug-in vehicle.

Twin engine = hybrid

On the hybrid Volvo XC90, the only other outside distinction between the gasoline engine XC90 and the plug-in hybrid XC90 is one small rear badging that is only on the right side of the rear liftgate. Even if a responder did observe this small vehicle badging, what they read there will most likely not have any special meaning to them at all. In a decision that further complicates recognition as a hybrid vehicle, Volvo has adopted and trademarked the term “TWIN ENGINE” and uses this term instead of the familiar term “hybrid” on this rear badging.

If the vehicle were compliant with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2990 Hybrid and EV First and Second Responder Recommended Practice that went into effect in 2012, three-sided exterior badging (rear and both sides) would be present clearly indicating to all emergency responders that the vehicle is a plug-in hybrid. On this brand-new Volvo model, all responders will see is one badging that reads “VOLVO XC90 T8 TWIN ENGINE.” Yes, that’s right; nothing about being a plug-in-hybrid. Under the hood, there are some orange high-voltage cables that a responder might see once the hood is opened.

As this vehicle arrives in a showroom in your area, make an effort to do a site visit. Use the items listed on the checklist to really look in, on, under and around this vehicle prior to encountering one at an emergency scene. The “TWIN ENGINE” term used on the vehicle’s rear badging must become two words that responders learn to recognize as meaning a Volvo plug-in hybrid vehicle is present. The front fender cover door is another new clue that we must get used to looking for on vehicles as we size them up. Once recognized as being a plug-in hybrid, proper Lock Out/Tag Out protocols can be undertaken by responders to reduce risk and improve safety.

Volvo XC90 T8 Plug-In Hybrid Pre-Planning Checklist