The safety battery terminal ensures that the starter high-voltage circuit is safe from short-circuiting should an accident happen. Triggered by the airbag control unit, this new terminal disconnects the starter cable from the battery with a small detonation.
Other electrical systems, such as warning lights and cabin lighting, possess conventional protective mechanisms and remain connected to the battery. The single safety battery terminal adds to passive safety and reduces the threat of fire in the wake of a collision.