Toyota seeks exemption from U.S. safety rule to sell FCV(limited to 2500 units per)

[RobStark]

Toyota Motor Corp. asked the U.S. auto-safety regulator for a two-year exemption from a rule governing electric cars to clear the way for the company to sell its new fuel-cell vehicle.

The rule, called FMVSS No. 305, requires carmakers to isolate high-voltage parts in electric cars in the event of a crash.

Toyota said its car instead will protect occupants and first responders from electrical shocks by insulating high-voltage cables and surrounding components such as the fuel-cell stack, motor and battery with metal barriers.

The company, which hasn't disclosed sales targets for the fuel-cell car in its media statements, said it will limit deliveries of the vehicle to 2,500 units a year.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20140630/OEM05/306309914/toyota-seeks-exemption-from-u-s-safety-rule-to-sell-fuel-cell-car

 

[FlasherZ]

Perhaps wanting to get rid of the 12V battery?

 

[hiroshiy]

Just a wild guess, will the free-running FC stack with zero load (by disconnect HV battery) cause high heat until it slowly shut down?

 

[Electric700]

"...Toyota said its car instead will protect occupants and first responders from electrical shocks by insulating high-voltage cables and surrounding components such as the fuel-cell stack, motor and battery with metal barriers..."

But doesn't metal conduct electricity? What happens if a wire comes in contact with a metal barrier? Sounds like they're trying to cut corners.