Stellantis Patents System for EVs to Eject Batteries in Emergencies
Stellantis has secured a US patent for a quick-release high-voltage battery system that could let electric vehicles jettison their battery packs in dangerous situations and drive away using a secondary power source.
Stellantis has developed and patented a system that allows an electric vehicle to physically disconnect and eject its high-voltage battery in emergency situations, such as overheating or damage. The patent, titled 'High-Voltage Battery Quick Release System For Vehicle', was published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on 17 September. FCA US is listed as both the applicant and assignee for this patent, which details a method for separating the main battery from the car if it develops a fault or creates a thermal event.
Overview of the Stellantis Battery Ejection Patent
The patent outlines a system where the main high-voltage battery can be quickly and safely separated from the vehicle’s structure. This is particularly relevant in cases where the battery overheats, is damaged, or causes a thermal event. The aim is to remove the source of danger from the passenger compartment and surrounding structure, potentially reducing the risk of fire or explosion in the event of a major battery fault. Stellantis’ approach is notable for its focus on both occupant safety and the ability to address the risks associated with electric vehicle battery malfunctions.
How the Battery Ejection System Works
The patent describes a controller that can command the vehicle’s motor to propel the car away from the ejected battery using a low-voltage backup battery. This means that after the main high-voltage battery is ejected, the vehicle may still be able to move a short distance, powered by the backup system. The decoupling mechanism could use several approaches, including frame sections that slide apart or pyrotechnic features that rapidly disconnect and eject the battery pack.
The system is designed to be activated in emergencies, such as when the high-voltage battery experiences overheating, physical damage, or other faults that could lead to thermal runaway. By enabling the main battery pack to be ejected from the car, the system aims to enhance safety for occupants and reduce the risk of further damage to the vehicle or its surroundings.
Potential Safety Implications and Applications
The patent indicates that the system could be applied to all types of vehicles, not just passenger cars. By allowing a vehicle to move away from a hazardous battery, this system addresses a key safety concern for electric vehicles: the risk of thermal runaway and the challenge of evacuating occupants from a vehicle with a compromised battery pack. The ability to physically separate a battery during a thermal event could influence future EV safety standards if adopted in production models.
Currently, there is no indication of when or if this system will appear in production vehicles. The patent does not provide details on the practical limitations of the system, such as the exact distance a vehicle can travel on the backup battery or the specific types of vehicles that will use the technology. However, the patent signals a proactive approach by Stellantis to address high-profile risks associated with electric vehicle batteries, particularly as EV adoption increases and safety concerns remain in focus.
Methods for Battery Separation
- Sliding frame sections that physically move the battery away from the vehicle
- Pyrotechnic devices that rapidly disconnect and eject the battery
The patent describes multiple possible mechanisms for battery separation. Sliding frame sections could physically move the battery away from the vehicle’s main structure, while pyrotechnic devices could provide a rapid and forceful ejection in emergency scenarios. These methods are designed to ensure that the high-voltage battery is quickly and effectively separated from the vehicle, reducing the risk to occupants and emergency responders.
Broader Context and Industry Implications
The development of this technology comes at a time when EV safety is under increasing scrutiny. Incidents involving battery fires and thermal runaway events have raised concerns among consumers and regulators. Traditional methods of dealing with compromised batteries often involve immobilising the vehicle and waiting for emergency services, which can be time-consuming and hazardous. Stellantis’ patent offers an alternative approach by enabling the vehicle itself to take action to reduce risk.
If implemented, this system could impact how emergency responders approach EV incidents. The ability to eject a battery and move the vehicle away could make it easier to secure accident scenes and reduce the likelihood of secondary incidents caused by battery fires. It may also prompt other manufacturers to explore similar safety measures, potentially leading to broader changes in EV design and regulation.
Future Prospects
While the Stellantis patent is currently only a concept, it highlights ongoing innovation in the electric vehicle sector aimed at improving safety. As more details emerge and if the system is tested or implemented in real-world vehicles, it could become a reference point for new safety features across the automotive industry. For now, it remains an example of how manufacturers are responding to the unique challenges posed by high-voltage batteries in EVs.
Stellantis’ patent for a high-voltage battery quick release system demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to electric vehicle safety. By addressing the risk of battery faults and providing a mechanism for rapid separation, the company is contributing to ongoing efforts to make EVs safer for drivers, passengers, and emergency responders alike.
