Are Hybrids more likely to catch fire

[Fantasy-150]

Please tell us about this pressurized fuel system hybrids have that non hybrids lack.

I was under the impression there is a difference between a hybrid and full ICE fuel system, and it had something to do with pressure. Maybe it was in the evap system, I can't fully recall what that might be. What ever it was the hybrid can't run the fuel system because the hybrid lacks the component to maintain power or fuel pressure. The only thing a hybrid lacks is an alternator. I could be completely wrong, but this is what I was thinking of.

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[rjinaz]

I was under the impression there is a difference between a hybrid and full ICE fuel system, and it had something to do with pressure. Maybe it was in the evap system, I can't fully recall what that might be. What ever it was the hybrid can't run the fuel system because the hybrid lacks the component to maintain power or fuel pressure. The only thing a hybrid lacks is an alternator. I could be completely wrong, but this is what I was thinking of.

Hybrid vehicle engines are for the most part, identical to an ICE vehicles.

Fuel system is identical. Both use an electric fuel pump to maintain line pressure at all times.

Cooling systems can vary from having a mechanical water pump (ICE) vs Eletric water pump on a hybrid, A/C systems are also different, again, mechanical vs electric compressor.

Hybrid don't lack power to maintain fuel pressure. The HV battery is powering the electrical components. Instead of an alternator, they use an inverter to charge the 12v battery and supply power to the vehicle.

 

[Samson16]

The PB fuel tank is pressurized. The fuel door has a release button inside and then after a little delay it opens. Hopefully the door plunger pin doesn’t pop out and roll down a drain or something…

 

[Fantasy-150]

Hybrid vehicle engines are for the most part, identical to an ICE vehicles.

Fuel system is identical. Both use an electric fuel pump to maintain line pressure at all times.

Cooling systems can vary from having a mechanical water pump (ICE) vs Eletric water pump on a hybrid, A/C systems are also different, again, mechanical vs electric compressor.

Hybrid don't lack power to maintain fuel pressure. The HV battery is powering the electrical components. Instead of an alternator, they use an inverter to charge the 12v battery and supply power to the vehicle.

The PB fuel tank is pressurized. The fuel door has a release button inside and then after a little delay it opens. Hopefully the door plunger pin doesn’t pop out and roll down a drain or something…

I'm confusing my self here. Do hybrid fuel tanks operate under higher pressure than pure ICE? If so that's what I was thinking of. I thought all modern ICE vehicles had a pressurized tank.

Not sure why the pressurized tank would contribute to an engine fire on the hybrid, but that's my guess as to why the hybrids seem to be prone to engine fires not involving the HV batteries.

I tried searching more info on hybrids, but most of the searches indicate that hybrids work because of regulations. Not too much easy to find information on the mechanics of hybrids and how their parts work, and what differences there are exclusive between ICE and hybrids. Including popular automotive publications, I find this very frustrating.

 

[rjinaz]

I'm confusing my self here. Do hybrid fuel tanks operate under higher pressure than pure ICE? If so that's what I was thinking of. I thought all modern ICE vehicles had a pressurized tank.

Not sure why the pressurized tank would contribute to an engine fire on the hybrid, but that's my guess as to why the hybrids seem to be prone to engine fires not involving the HV batteries.

I tried searching more info on hybrids, but most of the searches indicate that hybrids work because of regulations. Not too much easy to find information on the mechanics of hybrids and how their parts work, and what differences there are exclusive between ICE and hybrids. Including popular automotive publications, I find this very frustrating.

Hybrid drivetrains are in its simplest form just an ICE engine with an electric helper motor.
The ICE component in a hybrid operates the same as an ICE only vehicle.

Hybrids have some minor differences like an electric oil pump.
This keeps oil flowing at a lower pressure than operating pressure when running on HV batt only so when ICE kicks in, the motor is properly lubricated. It ramps up pressure when the ICE motor starts.
Electric water pump to keep the engine cool when running on HV only, and an electric A/C compressor to keep you and the batteries cool.

An EcoBoost 3.5 and a Powerboost 3.5 use the same basic engine with the differences I mention above. Same fuel pressure, same tank pressure.
The hybrid components are the variable.

 

[Samson16]

Do hybrid fuel tanks operate under higher pressure than pure ICE?

I don’t know. For the PB my guess would be that having positive pressure in the tank helps somehow during prolonged ICE off events. Maybe it helps the fuel pump keep the system primed? Maybe it helps keep moisture out? I just know it exists.

 

[Samson16]

Hybrid drivetrains are in its simplest form just an ICE engine with an electric helper motor.
The ICE component in a hybrid operates the same as an ICE only vehicle.

Hybrids have some minor differences like an electric oil pump.
This keeps oil flowing at a lower pressure than operating pressure when running on HV batt only so when ICE kicks in, the motor is properly lubricated.
Electric water pump to keep the engine cool when running on HV only, and an electric A/C compressor to keep you and the batteries cool.

An EcoBoost 3.5 and a Powerboost 3.5 use the same basic engine with the differences I mention above. Same fuel pressure, same tank pressure.
The hybrid components are the variable.

So the EB also has the pressure holding fuel door?

 

[rjinaz]

So the EB also has the pressure holding fuel door?

Yes.
A leaking tank seal will throw a DTC.
All fuel injected vehicles have a pressurized fuel tank to some degree.
Most DMV inspection stations will check tank pressure at the cap.
The return line from the fuel rail feed back into the gas tank under pressure.
This is like a feedback loop. The fuel pump actually gets a bit of an assist from tank pressure.
It's not the same as rail pressure, but it is still pressurized.

 

[Samson16]

Yes.
A leaking tank seal will throw a DTC.
All fuel injected vehicles have a pressurized fuel tank to some degree.
Most DMV inspection stations will check tank pressure at the cap.
The return line from the fuel rail feed back into the gas tank under pressure.
This is like a feedback loop. The fuel pump actually gets a bit of an assist from tank pressure.
It's not the same as rail pressure, but it is still pressurized.

Hmm. Do both models have this door? And perhaps it does nothing regarding positive tank pressure?

 

[rjinaz]

Hmm. Do both models have this door? And perhaps it does nothing regarding positive tank pressure?

Same door on both. There are two seals on the filler tube. The one you see is more of a debris shield whereas the inner one is the seal.
It's why you have to use the special filler funnel if filling with a gas can.
It holds that inner door open.

 

[Samson16]

The Expedition I drive at work has a different door. You just push in and it springs open. It doesn’t have the formed cutout that fits the space either. It is a couple years older. ??‍

 

[rjinaz]

The Expedition I drive at work has a different door. You just push in and it springs open. It doesn’t have the formed cutout that fits the space either. It is a couple years older. ??‍

I'm not talking about the physical door itself, but the capless filler tube construction.

 

[Samson16]

I'm not talking about the physical door itself, but the capless filler tube construction.

The door seems to provide an additional quasi seal. Perhaps it’s just for show or to provide a potential nuisance if the pin goes sproing! ?

 

[Calson]

Read this for a more measured response. The oil companies hate anything that competes with their products and their profits. They are using trolls to post all kinds of nonsense on social media and it has been highly effective in terms of FUD or fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

https://evboosters.com/ev-charging-news/ev-fire-incidents-a-manageable-risk-amidst-ev-surge/

ICE vehicle fires are so common that they are not newsworthy. My local fire sub station makes more than half its callouts to put out vehicle fires on the freeway.

I have long carried a fire extinguisher and a small adjustable wrench (to remove the battery's positive lead).

 

[Samson16]

Read this for a more measured response. The oil companies hate anything that competes with their products and their profits. They are using trolls to post all kinds of nonsense on social media and it has been highly effective in terms of FUD or fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

https://evboosters.com/ev-charging-news/ev-fire-incidents-a-manageable-risk-amidst-ev-surge/

ICE vehicle fires are so common that they are not newsworthy. My local fire sub station makes more than half its callouts to put out vehicle fires on the freeway.

I have long carried a fire extinguisher and a small adjustable wrench (to remove the battery's positive lead).

What about your windshield wipers? Do you have something to bust out the windshield in case they stop working during a trip?

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