Chinese researchers have developed an ejectable EV battery system that can fling a burning pack clear of a vehicle in under a second. The prototype, demonstrated by the China Collision Repair Technology Center and Joyson Electronics, uses a gas generator similar to an airbag to push the pack 10 to 20 feet away when the battery management system detects thermal runaway.
However, the project's legitimacy is questioned. Joyson Electronics denied any cooperation with the center, and i Car (Chery's brand) disavowed the demo. Yicai found no business registration for the center, which may belong to Maite Group, a repair company. The system also lacks software to prevent ejection in dense urban areas.
Battery fires remain notoriously difficult to extinguish. According to UL Research Institutes, thermal runaway sees temperatures climb >20°C per minute toward peaks above 300°C. The US National Transportation Safety Board found Tesla batteries reigniting multiple times, with one fire requiring 20,000 gallons of water. UL's Fire Safety Research Institute burned 18 EVs in an August 2026 study and found no suppression technique could stop thermal runaway once started.
Other automakers are exploring similar solutions. Stellantis filed a patent for a quick-release drop system, while Hyundai and Kia have held a joint patent since 2024. Ejecting the pack away from occupants is one of the few credible ideas that doesn't rely on extinguishing the fire.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing