Stellantis Developing Heated Wheel-Well Liners For Winter Driving

Electric vehicles have issues more quickly than cars with combustion engines when winter and snow arrive. In order to address the issue of snow accumulation behind the fenders, Stellantis decided to employ heaters that are presently under development, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reported.

The auto giant came up with an innovative approach to assist drivers and is now developing electrically heated wheel arches that are powered by the batteries of the car. The heaters would be positioned between the wheel arch liner and the vehicle body, protecting the wiring and the heating element in addition to the body surface.

According to Stellantis, the heating element would melt the snow and ice on the inner fender's surface by passing through the fender's edge. Engineers from the company are also testing a conductive foil that might be applied straight to the inner fender.

Stellantis plans to employ these heaters exclusively in hybrid and all-electric vehicles because electric cars don't produce enough heat to keep snow from building up like combustion engines do.

The increased danger of rust and corrosion is one of the most frequent problems brought on by snow accumulation beneath vehicles. Moisture found in snow that collects just below a car can cause ice to form if it becomes trapped.

This moisture can readily leak into the undercarriage's joints, cracks, and crevices. It causes rust to form over time, especially on metal sections that are exposed to the weather, like the suspension, exhaust system, and frame.
Rust can impair a vehicle's performance and safety in addition to weakening its construction. For example, corrosion on the exhaust system may result in leaks that allow harmful gases to enter the cabin. Untreated rust can jeopardise the vehicle's essential structural elements, necessitating expensive repairs.