Stellantis Patents 'EV Exhaust' to Tackle Battery Fire Risks

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently published Stellantis’ patent filing, originally submitted in 2023 for an “EV exhaust system” designed specifically for battery-powered vehicles.

While exhaust systems are traditionally associated with internal combustion engines (ICE), Stellantis repurposes similar concepts to manage thermal runaway events in EVs.

During thermal runaway, lithium-ion batteries can release combustible gases such as hydrogen and hydrocarbons like methane, ethane, and acetylene. This system aims to mitigate this risk by safely venting and treating these gases before they contribute to combustion.

The patent describes a system that directs gases through conduits and treatment zones, chemically altering or neutralising them to reduce ignition risk. This approach at a glance is similar to catalytic converters in ICE vehicles, which process harmful emissions before being released via the tailpipe.

This exhaust concept is also reported to be compatible with its upcoming STLA modular platforms which already feature space for exhaust systems and is designed to support both combustion and electric powertrains.

The term 'EV exhaust' is not new to the Stellantis group, having previously introduced it on the Dodge Charger Daytona EV with the 'Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust' - a system designed to replicate the sound of a traditional V8 exhaust note.

Although EV fires are rare, Stellantis’ approach - if implemented - could enhance safety and set a precedent for other manufacturers, particularly in addressing fire risks in high-rise buildings and enclosed parking spaces, as seen in the recent Mercedes EQE battery thermal runaway incident in South Korea.

Source: GreenCarReport