Stellantis has patented a new system designed to mitigate fire risks in electric vehicles by ejecting the high-voltage battery. The patent, titled High-Voltage Battery Quick Release System For Vehicle, was published by the USPTO on September 17. The mechanism is intended for use in emergencies involving overheating, severe damage, or thermal runaway.
The system operates by electrically disconnecting the battery before physically detaching it from the vehicle chassis. Stellantis is exploring various release mechanisms, including sliding fasteners and pyrotechnic devices. Activation can be triggered by a driver, passenger, or emergency responder through controls located in the cabin or the trunk.
The interface for the system may include buttons, levers, switches, or touchscreen controls. Once the battery is ejected, the vehicle is designed to move away from the hazard using power from its 12-volt battery. However, the patent does not specify the distance the car can travel in this mode, nor is it confirmed if the technology will reach production.
