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The purpose of this document is to familiarize emergency responders and the towing/roadside assistance industry with the proper methods to handle the Hyundai NEXO in an emergency situation. This guide offers a basic overview of key vehicle systems and provides instructions for dealing with the different types of situations encountered by emergency responders. The emergency response procedures for this vehicle are somewhat similar to a conventional vehicle with additional information provided on dealing with the high-voltage electrical and hydrogen system.
Hydrogen electric vehicle is an electric vehicle that generates an electrical energy by a fuel cell system. While general vehicles use an internal combustion engine and gasoline as fuel, Hydrogen electric vehicles use electrical energy that is produced by the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. As a result, Hydrogen electric vehicles are eco-friendly in that they do not emit exhaust gases.
When decelerating or driving downhill, regenerative braking is utilized to charge the high voltage battery. This minimizes energy loss and increases the distance to empty.
Hydrogen electric vehicle, unlike the regular internal combustion engine vehicle, use an high voltage electrical energy generated in the fuel cell stack as a power source. Owing to this high voltage electricity, it requires to handle with a care for the high voltage hazard. The followings are safety guideline of high voltage in fuel cell stack of ix35.
This system supplies the energy which can be applied vehicle's acceleration phase. The system also is being used to store the energy generated during regeneration braking phase.
Hydrogen is gas with the smallest molecular weight of all the gas. As it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and noncorrosive with combustibility and fast diffusivity, it has to be dealt with caution.
However, hydrogen is not dangerous in any other way and could even be less dangerous than other fuels in some aspects. As Hydrogen is the lightest element and it rapidly rises and disperses in the atmosphere without mixing with the air, hydrogen is relatively safe as it does not easily reach the concentration for explosion.
A hydrogen gas leak should be prevented for hazard of ignition or detonation for a safety point of view.
The followings are properties of gaseous hydrogen.
Diffusion Velocity Ratio of Diffusion and Flow in the air
Gas | CH4 | C3H8 | H2 |
Diffusion | 1.0 | 0.63 | 3.8 |
Turbulent Flow | 1.0 | 0.6 | 2.83 |
Hydrogen gas detection sensor detects a hydrogen leak. If there is a hydrogen leak, a hydrogen storage system and electrical systems will be shut down. Sensors illuminates a waring light at concentrations the minimum flammability limit of hydrogen.
Sensors are installed at the fuel cell stack, fuel supplying system, in-between hydrogen storage tank ceiling of vehicle. These sensors detects the hydrogen leak under emergency allowing the system to block the hydrogen.
NEXO uses approximately DC 250 ~ 450 voltage and high pressure hydrogen gas. Be sure to follow safety instructions below. Failure to follow safety instructions may result in serious injury or electrocution.
[Safety precaution for Hydrogen system]
NOTICE
A hydrogen gas leak should be prevented for hazard of ignition or detonation for a safety point of view.
The followings are properties of gaseous hydrogen.
[Safety precaution for High voltage system]
Warning labels for high voltage are attached to the high voltage components. The color of the high voltage cables and connectors are orange. Do not touch any of these high voltage components, cables, and connectors without proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
The Hyundai NEXO hydrogen electric vehicle is built on a chassis developed for hydrogen electric vehicle. The safest method is to assume that the NEXO you respond to is equipped the high voltage and hydrogen system because the NEXO is exclusive model for hydrogen electric vehicle. Using the information provided in this section, responders will be able to recognize the NEXO.
'NEXO' on Trunk and Blue Drive badge on side of Vehicle
The Hyundai NEXO can be easily identified by the 'NEXO' and the 'Fuel Cell' badge located on the trunk lid and the 'BLUE-DRIVE' badge on the left side of the vehicle.
Electrocution Risk!
Badging can become hidden after a crash due to damage to the vehicle. Always be sure to utilize additional methods if identification before determining there is no badge present.
VIN number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies the Electric Vehicle with a "6" displayed in the 8th position, as shown in the below drawing.
The VIN is punched on the floor under the passenger seat. The letter 6 in the 8th character of the VIN indicates that it is an electric vehicle with battery [LiPB 240 V, 6.5 Ah] + Motor [3-phase AC 113 kw].
Fuel Cell Power Module Compartment
The NEXO has a fuel cell stack cover with "HYDROGEN" clearly shown on it.
Additionally, there are orange colored high voltage electrical cables in the fuel cell power module compartment.
Vehicle Underside
An orange colored cable covered by the under cover is also visible on the underside of the vehicle. This cable runs from the rear of the vehicle to the fuel cell power module compartment.
Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Cluster Instrument Panel
The Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Instrument Cluster Panel displays the Hydrogen electric vehicle specific features that identify the NEXO as a Hydrogen electric vehicle.
Item | Value | |
Electric Driving Motor | Type | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
Max. Output (kW) | 113 | |
Max. Torque (Nm) | 395 | |
Reduction Gear | Gear Ratio | 7.981 |
Inverter | Input Voltage (V) | 240~450V |
BHDC | Input Voltage (V) | 160~275.2V |
Output Voltage (V) | 250~450V | |
LDC | Input Voltage (V) | 250~450V |
Output Voltage (V) | 12.8~13.9V | |
Hydrogen Fuel Tank | Capacity (ℓ) | 156.6 (52.2 x 3) |
Stack | Max. Output (kW) | 95 |
Output Voltage (V) | 250~450V | |
High Voltage Battery | Type | Lithium-ion polymer |
Rated Voltage (V) | 240 | |
Capacity (Ah) / Energy (kwh) | 6.5 / 1.56 | |
Weight (kg) | 51.2 |
Fuel Cell System | Creates electric energy through electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen |
Hydrogen Tank | Stores hydrogen fuel |
LDC | Low Power DC-DC Converter: Charge 12V supplementary battery |
Inverter | DC → AC (from battery or fuel cell stack to drive motor) AC → DC (charge using regenerative braking) |
High Voltage Junction Box | It supplies electricity from battery to the inverter, LDC, air conditioner compressor, etc... |
BHDC | Converts voltages among high-voltage battery, fuel cell stack and inverter |
Electric Drive Motor | When current flows through the coil, it generates a rotating magnetic field and generates motor torque |
Reduction Gear | Increases Motor Torque and increased Torque is transferred to the wheels |
High-Voltage Battery Assembly | Supplies electric energy to drive motor and stores generated electric energy |
The 12V Lithium-ion Polymer auxiliary battery is located at the front of the high-voltage battery in the trunk. This battery supplies power to all the standard electric devices such as audio, instrument cluster, etc. Also, the battery supplies power to the control unit which controls the flow of the high-voltage current and supply of hydrogen.
The Lithium-ion Polymer HV battery contains a gel electrolyte and is made up of 64 - 3.75V cells wired in series for a nominal voltage of 240V with 6.5 Ah of capacity. The battery is located in the trunk area.
The fuel cell system is composed of
The inverter coverts the direct current of the high-voltage battery to the alternative current and supplies the current to the driving motor and converts the alternative current of the regenerative current to the direct current to charge the high-voltage battery. The inverter is equipped with a Motor Control Unit (MCU) to control the motor torque. When dealing with the high-voltage related items, stand by for about 5 to 10 minutes in order to discharge the high-voltage charged in the capacitor (condenser) located in the inverter.
Mounted in fuel cell power module compartment with the gear reduction unit, the Electric Drive Motor is used for vehicle propulsion. During deceleration or braking, it acts as an alternator and charges the HV battery by converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
The Gear Reduction Unit increases Motor Torque and transfers increased Torque to the wheels with Max. torque of 395Nm.
The high-voltage cabling in the NEXO is orange per the SAE standard. These cables run from the rear of the vehicle where they connect to the HV battery up to the front of the vehicle where they connect to the Electric Drive Motor and other HV components.
Electrocution Risk!
Failure to follow these instructions can lead to death by electrical shock.
When dealing with high-voltage battery or components related to the high-voltage battery, make sure to remove the safety plug before start servicing. Even after the safety plug is removed, stand by for about 5 to 10 minutes in order to discharge the high-voltage charged in the capacitor (condenser) located in the inverter.
Unlike the 12V electrical system that is grounded to the vehicle's chassis, the NEXO's high-voltage electrical system is designed to be isolated from the vehicle.
Current from the High-Voltage Battery is controlled by the Power Relay Assembly (PRA), which consists of Positive and Negative Main Relays, a Pre-charge Relay, Pre-charge Resistor, and the Battery Current Sensor. The PRA is mounted front side of the High-Voltage Battery Pack Assembly and controls the high-voltage power circuit between the High-Voltage Battery and the Electric Power Control Unit.
There are multiple safety systems incorporated into the NEXO. The system that protects the High-Voltage Electrical System is called the Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS is located inside the Power Relay Assembly and measures several parameters to maintain the optimal performance of the High-Voltage Battery. It controls the battery cooling fan to ensure proper battery operation. In addition, if a system fault occurs, the BMS turns off the PRA to protect the system.
Six airbags are installed in the NEXO as shown below. Before starting any emergency procedure, make sure the vehicle ignition is turned off, disconnect the negative cable from the 12V auxiliary battery to prevent accidental deployment of airbags.
* The actual air bags and seats in the vehicle may differ from the illustration
Number | Name | Location |
1 | Driver's front airbag | Driver side |
2 | Passenger's front airbag | Passenger side |
3, 4 | Side airbag | Driver / Passenger side |
5, 6 | Curtain airbag | Driver / Passenger side |
The NEXO is equipped with seat belts with pretensioners. When the seat belt pretensioners are activated in a collision, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may appear to be smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. These are normal operating conditions and are not hazardous. The seat belt pretensioner assembly mechanisms may become hot during activation, and may need several minutes to cool after they have been activated.
The airbags and pretensioners are managed by the SRS Control Module, or SRSCM, which is located below the front of the center console. In addition, there are four side impact sensors: two conventional accelerometer sensors in the B-pillars, and two pressure sensing sensors inside of the front door modules. Their locations are illustrated in the image below.
Failure to follow any of these instructions may result in serious injury or death from accidental deployment of the airbag system.
The following procedures should be used whenever you are dealing with a NEXO at an emergency scene. All other operations should be consistent with your department's standard operating procedures or guides. Hydrogen electric vehicles damaged by a crash may have compromised high voltage safety systems and present a potential high voltage electrical shock hazard. Exercise caution and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) safety gear, including high voltage safety gloves and boots. Remove all metallic jewelry, including watches and rings.
When dealing with a NEXO at the scene of an accident, emergency responders should always assume that it is a electric model until it can be proven otherwise using the identification features outlined in this ERG. External badging will usually be the first clue but it can often be hidden by damage caused in a crash. Always be sure to inspect multiple sides of the vehicle as well as using the clues found under the hood and in the interior of the vehicle.
The next step is to immobilize the vehicle to prevent any accidental movement that can endanger the emergency response personnel and any crash victims. Since the NEXO doesn't have an engine, there will be instances where the vehicle appears to be off because of the absence of engine noise. When in its "ready" mode, the vehicle can move almost silently using the electric drive motor. Responders should approach the vehicle from the sides and stay away from the front or rear as they are both potential paths of travel. Instructions for immobilizing the vehicle are shown below.
The final step in the initial response process, conducted after the vehicle is secured to prevent movement, is to disable the vehicle, its SRS components and the high voltage electrical system. To prevent current flow through the system, use one of the following procedures to disable the vehicle.
Without depressing the brake pedal
Pressing POWER button | Button Position | Vehicle condition |
OFF | Off | |
One time | ACC | Electrical accessories are operational. |
Two times | ON | The warning lights can be checked before the vehicle is started. |
Three times | OFF | Off |
Depressing the brake pedal while a shift lever is in the P (Park) position
Pressing POWER button | Button Position | Vehicle condition | |||
OFF | Off | ||||
One time | - | Ready to drive |
NOTICE
To turn off the vehicle while driving under emergency, press the start button for over 2 seconds or press the button three times within 3 seconds. Then, the vehicle will turn off and switch to 「ACC」 status. In this case, while driving, it is possible to turn on the vehicle again by placing the shift gear in N (Neural) without depressing the brake. Never turn off the vehicle while driving under the normal driving conditions.
If both methods of disabling system are unsuccessful, the vehicle is not secured from accidental deployment of airbags and electric shock from high-voltage components.
Electrocution Risk!
Failure to follow any of these instructions may result in serious injury or death by electrocution.
Explosive Risk!
Failure to follow any of these instructions may result in serious injury or death from accidental deployment of the airbag system.
The extrication operations for the NEXO are similar to the conventional vehicle. However, the first responder should pay special attention when they extract occupants in the vehicle. Before extrication operations, the first responders should carry out "Initial Response: Identify, Immobilize and Disable" procedure section.
(When airbags are deployed, the outside door handles pop out automatically. However, the door handle might not pop out under certain conditions.)
Use standard stabilization (cribbing) points, as shown. Always be sure to connect to a structural member of the vehicle and avoid placing cribbing under high voltage cables, fuel lines and other areas not normally considered acceptable.
When responding to an incident involving a NEXO, we recommend that the first responders follow their organization's standard operating procedures for assessing and dealing with vehicle emergencies. When the first responders cut the vehicle, they should always pay special attention to airbag system, orange colored high voltage cables and other high voltage components to avoid damage to parts which may increase the risks of explosion.
Some emergency responses can involve a submerged vehicle. A NEXO that is submerged does not have high-voltage component on the vehicle's body or framework. It is safe to touch the vehicle's body or framework if there is no severe damage to the vehicle, whether it is in water or on land.
In the event the vehicle is submerged or partially submerged, remove the vehicle from the water before attempting to disable the vehicle. Drain the water from the vehicle. Use one of the methods described in sections to disable the vehicle.
Failure to follow any of these instructions may result in serious injury or death by electrocution.
After Initial Emergency Response Procedures have been applied, Firefighting Procedures may begin. Hyundai recommends that each response team follow their own department's standard operating procedures for fighting vehicle fires in combination with the NEXO specific details that are covered in this section.
If the high-voltage battery pack is either involved in or at risk of being involved in a fire in a NEXO, strict cautions must be taken while conducting firefighting operations due to following reasons:
Even if the high-voltage battery pack is not directly involved in a vehicle fire, approach the vehicle very carefully.
If the temperature near the safety valve located at the rear under vehicle is over 110°C caused by a fire or other reasons, the safety valve will open to vent hydrogen gas. Venting the hydrogen gas makes a loud noise because the venting speed is very fast. Stay well away from the vehicle. This jet stream of hydrogen gas could ignite.
The HV Battery assembly is enclosed in a sturdy metal case that is rigidly mounted to structural components of the vehicle. This construction helps prevent damage to the HV Battery assembly even in severe crashes. This section provides emergency responders with information regarding how to mitigate the severity of a damaged HV Battery assembly or gel electrolyte spill, however unlikely that might be.
Irritant Substance Risk!
Failure to wear proper SCBA and PPE can result in serious injury or death.
Move to a well ventilated location for fresh air and wash mouth with water. See a doctor immediately.
Towing the Nexo is not very different from towing the existing vehicles with the gasoline engine. If emergency towing is necessary, we recommend having it done by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer or a commercial tow-truck service. Proper lifting and towing procedures are necessary to prevent damage to the vehicle. The best way to tow the vehicle is to lift the whole vehicle using the tow truck. However, to tow the vehicle using the two wheels, use the flatbed or wheel dollies and lift the front tires as the vehicle is equipped with the front wheel drive motor.
Before towing the vehicle, release the parking brake and turn the vehicle off. Then, press the 「P RELEASE」 button and place the shift lever in N (neutral). Detail guidelines for towing the vehicle are as follows:
Connect the second jumper cable to the negative (-) battery terminal for the jump start (3) and connect the other end to an unpainted robust fixed metal (i.e., hood latch striker), away from the battery.
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
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