Summary
- Stellantis envisions an electric vehicle exhaust system to prevent battery fires in EVs
- The system would treat gases from batteries in case of thermal runaway
- The system would also vent pressure from the battery pack
- Stellantis has already designed an exhaust system for the Dodge Charger Daytona EV for sound purposes
- Focus is on containing damage from potential EV battery fires rather than preventing them
Article
Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, Ram, and Jeep, is envisioning an exhaust system for electric vehicles that could help prevent battery fires. The patent filing, originally filed in 2023 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, outlines how the exhaust system would identify battery thermal runaway and treat the gases released to prevent them from igniting. This innovation comes as a surprise, as exhaust systems are typically associated with internal combustion engines rather than electric vehicles.
When batteries overheat or experience thermal runaway, they can release flammable gases that can ignite in the presence of high temperatures. Stellantis’ proposed exhaust system would remove these gases, thereby preventing thermal runaway from escalating into fires and venting pressure from the battery pack. The system would feature treatment zones for chemically treating the flow of gases to eliminate or reduce various chemical species. This solution is similar to the catalytic converters used in combustion vehicles, demonstrating how Stellantis is exploring innovative approaches to enhancing the safety of electric vehicles.
While modern EV batteries are rigorously controlled and monitored to prevent such incidents, there have been instances of battery fires leading to recalls. Stellantis’ focus on developing an exhaust system for EVs indicates a proactive approach to addressing potential safety issues. In 2019, the automotive supplier Bosch proposed using pyrotechnics to quickly sever electrical connections between the battery pack and the vehicle in case of thermal runaway. These unconventional solutions aim to contain damage and make vehicles safer for first responders to approach, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures in the EV industry.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV, a concept vehicle from Stellantis, already incorporates an exhaust system that recreates the sound of a V-8 engine for nostalgic purposes. While this system is designed for sound and vibration rather than emissions, it showcases Stellantis’ commitment to maintaining the performance characteristics associated with traditional vehicles in their electrified offerings. The company’s patent filing for an electric vehicle exhaust system aligns with this approach, demonstrating their dedication to innovation and safety in the evolving automotive landscape.
The risk of battery fires in electric vehicles has prompted manufacturers and regulators to explore new safety measures. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has noted that while fire risk is a concern, it is outweighed by other safety considerations such as the weight of EVs and the potential damage they can cause in accidents. Stellantis’ development of an exhaust system for EVs reflects the industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety and address challenges associated with electric vehicle technology. By proposing novel solutions to prevent and contain battery fires, automakers like Stellantis are paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future in the automotive sector.
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