do hybrid batteries make these cars heavier and does that change how safe they are in a severe highway crash
Fan-out diagram
Seed → topic clusters → sub-queries, per model.
Badge and edge weight = share of passes that produced the query. Hover a query for its intent and routing format.
Query classes
Google's semantic query class for every sub-query: what kind of answer each search is after, simulated vs real.
Classes come from the query-classifier (a local Laya model). 1 of 1 calls are low-confidence (under 50%) — hover a query in the table to see its confidence. 35 queries are still being classified.
What the models actually searched
Each model answered the query with its own web search. These are the searches it ran, matched to the closest simulated query.
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Battery, Charging & Safety · nhtsa.gov
- Assessment of Potential Lithium-ion Battery Safety Issues for Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles · nhtsa.gov
- Battery Safety - High-Voltage Batteries in Electric, Hybrid, or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles · ccohs.ca
- Hybrid models have lower injury odds than their conventional counterparts · iihs.org
- IIHS crash-test ratings · iihs.org
- NHTSA safety ratings · nhtsa.gov
Semantic map
Every query placed by meaning (EmbeddingGemma 2, 256-d). Shaded regions are topics, nearby points are near-paraphrases, and a circle's size is how often the query came back.
Queries
| Query / type | Search | Intent | Query class | Routing format | Cluster | Freq ↓ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
hybrid vs gas car crash safety comparison COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a direct comparison of safety outcomes between hybrid electric vehicles and traditional gasoline vehicles. | — | comparison_table | hybrid versus gas car crash safety | 2x of 3 | |
how much do hybrid car batteries weigh REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know the typical weight of hybrid vehicle battery packs in pounds or kilograms. | — | product_spec_sheet | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
how much weight does a hybrid battery add to a car REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Understand the exact weight penalty introduced by hybrid and plug-in hybrid battery packs. | — | product_spec_sheet | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
how much weight do hybrid batteries add to cars REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know the typical extra weight added by a hybrid battery pack compared to standard gas cars. | — | product_spec_sheet | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
do hybrid cars perform worse in crash tests due to weight RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to see official crash test performance data comparing hybrids to standard gas cars. | — | web_article | hybrid car crash test performance | 1x of 3 | |
do heavier cars perform worse in highway crashes RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Explore the general correlation between vehicle weight and crash severity. | — | web_article | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
do hybrid cars perform worse in crash tests RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to see actual crash test ratings for hybrid versus non-hybrid vehicles. | — | web_article | hybrid car crash test performance | 1x of 3 | |
are heavier cars safer in highway accidents IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand the general physics relationship between vehicle weight and occupant protection during high-speed crashes. | — | faq_page | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
IIHS crash test results hybrid vs gas cars COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Compare official safety ratings between hybrid variants and their standard gasoline counterparts. | — | review_roundup | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
are heavier cars safer in a highway crash physics IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand the underlying physics of how vehicle weight affects crash safety and kinetic energy. | — | glossary/definition | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
does extra battery weight increase stopping distance and collision risk IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Understand how additional weight affects accident avoidance, not just crash survivability. | — | faq_page | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
iihs crash test ratings toyota prius vs corolla ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants specific IIHS safety ratings for a popular hybrid compared to its conventional counterpart. | — | review_roundup | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
Toyota Prius vs standard sedan safety rating weight difference ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Look at a real-world popular hybrid example to see concrete safety data. | — | comparison_table | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
iihs crash test ratings hybrid electric vehicles ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants specific authority data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety regarding hybrid models. | — | pdf_whitepaper | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
safety of hybrid vehicles for family use PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user is considering a hybrid purchase and wants assurance that it provides adequate family safety. | — | buyers_guide | family safety for hybrid vehicles | 1x of 3 | |
how do automakers reinforce frames for heavy hybrid batteries RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Learn about structural engineering changes made to support heavy batteries. | — | pdf_whitepaper | automotive frame reinforcement for batt… | 1x of 3 | |
safety concerns for heavy electric and hybrid vehicles on highway PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user is looking for a comprehensive overview addressing common consumer worries about heavy electrified vehicles on highways. | — | faq_page | family safety for hybrid vehicles | 1x of 3 | |
how battery placement affects car center of gravity and rollover risk RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know how heavy battery locations impact vehicle stability and rollover tendencies during severe maneuvers. | — | web_article | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
are electric and hybrid cars safer in crashes than gas cars REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Get a direct comparison of overall safety outcomes between electrified and traditional vehicles. | — | web_article | hybrid versus gas car crash safety | 1x of 3 | |
how do manufacturers reinforce frames for hybrid batteries RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know how carmakers compensate for battery weight through structural frame reinforcement. | — | case_study | automotive frame reinforcement for batt… | 1x of 3 | |
do electric and hybrid cars increase risk to other drivers in crashes RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if heavier electrified vehicles pose greater hazards to occupants of lighter cars during collisions. | — | pdf_whitepaper | hybrid versus gas car crash safety | 1x of 3 | |
what happens to the high voltage battery in a severe highway accident IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Determine if the battery pack compromises structural integrity or poses fire risks during impact. | — | faq_page | high voltage battery behavior in crashes | 1x of 3 | |
does extra vehicle weight increase occupant injury risk in crashes REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know the statistical correlation between vehicle weight increases and occupant injury severity. | — | web_article | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
what happens to hybrid battery in a severe front end collision IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to know if heavy impacts compromise the structural integrity of the battery pack or cause fires. | — | case_study | high voltage battery behavior in crashes | 1x of 3 | |
vehicle weight and occupant protection in high speed collisions physics RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Understand the momentum and kinetic energy factors involved in heavy vehicle crashes. | — | web_article | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 | |
heavy car momentum and crash energy transfer IMPLICIT | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants technical insights into how increased mass impacts energy dissipation during high-speed impacts. | — | interactive_widget | high voltage battery behavior in crashes | 1x of 3 | |
do plug in hybrids weigh more than standard hybrids REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to compare weight differences across different levels of vehicle electrification. | — | product_spec_sheet | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
family seeking safest fuel efficient commuter car PERSONALIZED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find recommendations for safe, efficient vehicles considering weight and crash performance. | — | buyers_guide | family safety for hybrid vehicles | 1x of 3 | |
suv vs hybrid sedan crash compatibility weight differences COMPARATIVE | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to compare how hybrid weight changes affect multi-vehicle crash compatibility compared to standard vehicle classes. | — | review_roundup | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
nhtsa crash safety ratings for hybrid suvs ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants official government crash ratings for popular hybrid sport utility vehicles. | — | web_article | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
NHTSA crash test methodology vehicle weight impact ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Find out how federal testing accounts for mass differences in vehicle collisions. | — | pdf_whitepaper | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
nhtsa rollover and side impact ratings for hybrid vehicles ENTITY EXPANSION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants specific federal safety ratings covering rollovers and side impacts for hybrids. | — | dataset | iihs and nhtsa crash test ratings | 1x of 3 | |
are hybrids safer than small cars despite extra weight RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants to understand if the weight advantage of hybrids over smaller lightweight cars translates to better crash protection. | — | buyers_guide | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
are hybrid vehicles heavier than gas cars REFORMULATION | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | The user wants a direct answer regarding the weight delta between standard and hybrid vehicles. | — | glossary/definition | hybrid battery weight and vehicle compa… | 1x of 3 | |
do heavier vehicles cause more damage to other cars in crashes RELATED | Google ↗ AI Mode ↗ | Examine the compatibility aspect of vehicle weight disparities on highways. | — | forum/qna | physics of vehicle weight and crash saf… | 1x of 3 |
Passes
Does another pass still surface new queries? A flattening curve means the fan-out has stabilised.
| Model | Pass | Target | Generated | Seconds | Tokens (in / out) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 1 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,533 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 2 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,451 | |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | 3 | 12 | 12 | — | 915 / 1,333 |