EV fires are difficult to control once they begin, making battery safety a major challenge for automakers. While most companies focus on strengthening battery packs, researchers in China showcased a radical idea: ejecting the battery from the vehicle during a fire event.
AI Quick Summary
Chinese researchers demonstrated a system that ejects an EV’s battery during a thermal runaway event to protect occupants. However, the system raises safety concerns about the ejected battery posing a hazard to bystanders and the ejection mechanism’s reliability in real-world crashes. While intriguing, the technology is not currently intended for production vehicles and is considered more of a demonstration than a practical solution.
This summary was generated by AI using this article’s content.
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What Happened in the Test?
A viral video shows a large battery forcefully ejected from an SUV. The pack landed several metres away before safety workers covered it with a fire blanket. The system was triggered when sensors detected a thermal runaway, using gas pressure to launch the pack.
How Does the Technology Work?
- Sensors detect overheating inside the pack.
- A gas generator provides the thrust to eject the unit.
- The battery is propelled 3–6 metres from the car.
- Once outside, safety crews contain it with fire blankets.
What Are the Safety Concerns?
The demonstration sparked criticism:
- Risk to others: Heavy batteries could land on nearby vehicles or pedestrians.
- Reliability: Severe crashes may damage the mechanism, stopping it from working.
- Practical use: No indication that the system will be used in production cars.
Who Organised the Experiment?
The event was part of the “Power Battery Launch Technology Demonstration and Exchange Meeting” on September 19, 2025. Reports suggest the China Automotive Collision Repair & Technology Research Centre was involved. The SUV used looked like a Chery iCar 03, but Chery denied any role. Joyson Electronics was also linked but has dismissed reports of participation.
What Is the Wider Context in China?
China is tightening EV safety rules. From July 2026, new regulations (GB38031-2025) will require batteries to survive internal failures without fire or explosion. Stricter testing, including bottom impact and charging cycle durability, will also become mandatory.
What Is the Conclusion?
The ejection system may protect occupants but transfers danger to others. With no clear pathway to production and major safety concerns, experts consider the concept more of a demonstration than a practical solution.
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FAQs
What is battery ejection in EVs?
It is a system that senses a thermal event in the battery pack and forcibly ejects it from the vehicle, using a gas generator, to distance the fire from occupants.
How far has the battery launched?
In tests, the battery is ejected about 3 to 6 metres away from the car.
What are the safety risks of this system?
A heavy battery could collide with vehicles or hit pedestrians. In crashes, the ejection system might fail if damaged.
Is this technology going into production?
There is currently no evidence or announcement that this battery-ejection method will be used in commercial EVs.
Why was this concept proposed?
The idea is to protect vehicle occupants by removing the fire source from the cabin before it starts burning or exploding.
EV fires are difficult to control once they begin, making battery safety a major challenge for automakers. While most companies focus on strengthening battery packs, researchers in China showcased a radical idea: ejecting the battery from the vehicle during a
