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Chinese team tests a system to eject burning EV batteries
Chinese researchers are testing an experimental system that ejects an electric vehicle’s battery pack when it detects an imminent fire. The pack is pushed sideways and can land 10 to 20 feet from the car in about a second, potentially moving a dangerous fire away from occupants.
The prototype uses a gas generator similar to an airbag inflator, but its software is unfinished and the team acknowledges the concept is at an early stage. It is intended to keep the pack locked in crowded urban settings, though the system has not yet been shown to make that distinction. The video’s claimed links to parts supplier Joyson Electronics and Chery’s iCar brand were denied; separate battery-release patents have been pursued by Stellantis and Hyundai and Kia.
In short
- A prototype can eject a burning EV battery in about a second.
- The pack may land 10 to 20 feet from the vehicle.
- The early system still has unresolved safety and software questions.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Engadget as “These experimental EV batteries can eject themselves during a fire”.