Eugene -
For the most part, hybrids have two battery systems, a basic 12v system to start the gas engine, and the large battery system to run the car. these large batteries are behind the rear seat. they are not as heavy as you'd think - nothing like a lead acid battery, however they are HUGE - like 3 feet wide, 1 foot deep and 2 feet high.

The frames are "standard" which is to say strong as can be, but I've seen plenty of high-speed wrecks that do great harm (even to a Volvo or a Saab).

There's no "cut-off" switch per a race car.

EV 1 didn't use the same high voltage technology.