Toyota Motor North America, Inc.; Grant of Petition for Temporary Exemption from an Electrical Safety Requirement of FMVSS No. 305

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In accordance with the procedures in 49 CFR part 555, Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (Toyota) petitioned the agency for a temporary exemption from one portion of FMVSS No. 305 that requires manufacturers to maintain a certain level of electrical isolation (or reduce the voltage below specified levels) of high voltage electrical components in an electric vehicle (EV) in the event of a crash. Toyota states that their forthcoming fuel cell vehicle (FCV) models cannot meet this requirement due to certain design characteristics innate to FCVs. Toyota is instead using alternative strategies to help ensure that occupants and first responders are protected in the event of a crash. After reviewing Toyota's petition and the comments received, the agency has decided to grant the petition. The agency has determined that Toyota's petition for exemption would facilitate the development or field evaluation of a low-emission motor vehicle and would not unreasonably reduce the safety level of that vehicle.