Experimental EV Batteries Can Eject During Fires, Chinese Researchers Show

Chinese researchers have developed an experimental ejectable battery pack system for electric vehicles (EVs) designed to mitigate the dangers of battery fires. The prototype, showcased in clips circulating online, is engineered to detect the onset of a battery fire and swiftly eject the entire pack clear of the vehicle in approximately one second. This innovative strategy aims to address the significant challenges associated with extinguishing EV battery fires, which are notoriously difficult and hazardous. The initial concept gained traction on Chinese social media, reportedly under the banner of the "China Collision Repair Technology Center," as first reported by Yicai.

The ejection mechanism reportedly utilizes a gas generator, similar to those found in airbags, to propel the battery pack sideways. Upon ejection, the pack is designed to come to rest around 10 to 20 feet away from the vehicle. While the system is still in its early stages, developers acknowledge concerns, such as the potential for an ejected, smoldering battery to land near other vehicles or pedestrians. A project staff member informed iFeng that the hardware evolved from research into side-loading battery swaps. The system is intended to remain locked in dense urban areas or mixed traffic environments, though 36Kr reported that the necessary software for these distinctions has not yet been developed. Furthermore, the system's attribution has faced scrutiny; Joyson Electronics, a Shanghai-listed car parts supplier credited in the viral video, denied any cooperation with the China Collision Repair Technology Center to Yicai. Similarly, iCar, a Chery brand, also stated it had no involvement, and Yicai found no business registration for the Center, with a source linking it to Maite Group, which did not respond to inquiries.

The urgency behind such innovations stems from the inherent risks of EV battery fires. Lithium-ion cells in thermal runaway generate heat much faster than they can dissipate it, with temperatures climbing over 20 degrees Celsius per minute towards peaks exceeding 300 degrees Celsius, accompanied by venting gas, smoke, or flames, according to UL Research Institutes. A 2020 report by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which studied four Tesla fires, highlighted instances where batteries reignited multiple times after initial suppression. One particular fire reportedly required over 20,000 gallons of water to extinguish. A study published by UL's Fire Safety Research Institute in August 2026, which involved burning 18 EVs, concluded that none of its suppression techniques could halt thermal runaway once it began. Consequently, moving a dangerous battery pack away from vehicle occupants is seen as one of the few credible solutions that doesn't rely on extinguishing the fire directly.

Other automotive manufacturers and regulatory bodies are also exploring various approaches to address battery fire safety. Stellantis' US arm has filed a patent application for a quick-release system that drops a burning pack, triggered by a cabin or trunk switch, using sliding frames or explosive bolts, and a 12-volt battery to power a motor to move the car. Hyundai and Kia jointly hold a patent since 2024 for a similar concept, which uses a temperature sensor and requires the car to be stopped and the driver to pull a lever before the pack falls. Beyond ejection, China implemented a mandatory standard in July 2026, requiring that battery packs do not catch fire or explode when a cell enters thermal runaway. French automotive company Renault has also offered free industry licenses for a port that allows fire hoses to flood battery packs with water, enabling emergency crews to reportedly extinguish an EV fire in roughly the same timeframe as a combustion vehicle.

What to watch: Future testing and regulatory approvals will determine the viability and widespread adoption of ejectable battery systems and other fire mitigation technologies.

Editor's note: The draft is comprehensive, accurately synthesizing all technical details, attribution controversies, and industry context provided in the source.