These experimental EV batteries can eject themselves during a fire
EV battery fires are highly dangerous and difficult to extinguish, but is launching a battery pack out of the car a smart or realistic solution?
A Chinese prototype has developed a battery pack that can eject itself from a vehicle during a fire. Imagine being in a parking lot, when suddenly the floor of a nearby SUV suddenly bursts open and its entire battery pack skids away from the car, stopping well away from the SUV. This scenario describes the experimental ejection system developed by Chinese researchers.
The system uses a gas generator to push the battery pack out sideways within one second of detecting a fire. It then safely comes to a stop around 10 to 20 feet from the vehicle. The technology is still in its early stages, with the team admitting it is not yet fully developed. Several automakers, including Stellantis and Hyundai, are also working on similar solutions, such as quick-release systems triggered by cabin or trunk switches.
The Chinese automotive industry is focused on finding ways to safely remove dangerous battery packs away from people in cars, as thermal runaway of lithium-ion cells can generate heat much faster than they can lose it. This runaway state can cause temperatures to climb by more than 20 degrees Celsius per minute, with potential for flames, smoke, or gas to vent from the cell.
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