- Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, Ram, and Jeep, is exploring an exhaust system for electric vehicles
- The system aims to detect battery thermal runaway and potentially prevent fires by treating the released gases
- The Dodge Charger Daytona EV already mimics the sound of a traditional internal combustion engine exhaust system
While traditional exhaust systems are associated with internal combustion engines, Stellantis is looking to revolutionize the concept for electric vehicles.
Recently, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) unveiled a patent application from Stellantis, originally filed in 2023, for an innovative electric vehicle exhaust system designed to mitigate the risks associated with EV battery fires.
When electric vehicle batteries overheat and experience thermal runaway, they emit flammable gases that can ignite in the presence of extreme heat. Stellantis has identified hydrogen and various hydrocarbons as potential gases released during this process.
Stellantis EV exhaust system patent image
By implementing an exhaust system for electric vehicles, Stellantis aims to contain and manage thermal runaway incidents before they escalate into potentially catastrophic fires. The system would also help release pressure from the battery pack, enhancing overall safety.
Stellantis has even incorporated an exhaust system in the Dodge Charger Daytona EV to replicate the classic V-8 engine sound, emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and tradition.
The proposed design includes “a plurality of treatment zones” to chemically treat the gases and reduce their harmful components—a concept reminiscent of traditional catalytic converters used in combustion engine vehicles.
Stellantis EV exhaust system patent image
While modern EV batteries are meticulously monitored and controlled to prevent malfunctions, the focus on developing an exhaust system underscores the industry’s commitment to safety and innovation. Alternative solutions like Bosch’s proposal to use pyrotechnics for rapid disconnection during thermal runaway incidents further highlight the industry’s dedication to mitigating risks associated with EV technology.
Despite challenges related to fire risks and vehicle weight, the evolution of electric vehicles continues to shape the automotive landscape. As safety standards and technologies advance, manufacturers like Stellantis are pushing boundaries to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for electric mobility.