Chances of EV Fires are Low, But Not Zero
Statistically, EV fires are a rare occurrence compared to hybrid and ICE vehicle fires. Of course, they’re reported more often than not, and understandably so. Nonetheless, it’s hard to deny the stats, and there will always be the danger of a fire, regardless of propulsion.
But what makes EV fires different is the battery’s composition. Most use lithium-ion cells, which, when exposed to flames or damaged, explode. Putting out said fires is a different challenge for first responders, as they also have to deal with a phenomenon called thermal runaway. To oversimplify it, it’s a chain reaction that makes them harder to put out.
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Solutions, Anyone?
Automakers are doing what they can to prevent EV fires from happening in the first place. At the same time, fire departments already have protocols in place to extinguish them. What we don’t have right now is to suppress the fire before it gets worse. Granted, ICE-powered cars don’t really have them, but given the volatility of thermal runaway fires, it’s something good to have.
Over in China, one solution proposed was to eject the flaming battery from the vehicle. We can already see you raising your eyebrows, scratching your head, or laughing. Shooting a flaming projectile into a sidewalk won’t end well for anyone.
Meanwhile, Stellantis might have a solution that might work for everyone. The company was recently granted its patent (Pub. No.: US 2025/0372750) for a built-in fire suppressant for EVs and hybrids. It surely sounds better than firing a flaming battery pack at unsuspecting pedestrians and road users.
Built-in Fire Suppressant System
On-board fire suppressants aren’t new in cars. It was once an option for the Ford Crown Victoria, specifically the Police Interceptor. As police vehicles are vulnerable to being rear-ended, it was a worthwhile thing to add. With EV fires being a concern, it’s a good time to revisit it.
Stellantis’ solution is a little more extreme compared to the one fitted to the good ol’ Crown Vic. The proposed fire suppressant system has to deal with a more intense flame and prevent thermal runaway from happening in the first place. So, what are the key components?
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How It Works
There’s a bladder filled with fire-retardant chemicals, along with two blades to pierce it and channel the suppressant to specific cooling lines, and a barrage of actuators and sensors. The entire system constantly monitors operating temperatures and will channel more coolant when certain parameters are exceeded. The foam will only be activated when the risk of thermal runaway is high.
In theory, it sounds like a viable solution. Putting it into practical application will be a totally different matter. As with all things, it’s easier said than done. But if Stellantis can package it in a way that it won’t add more weight or force them to use a smaller battery, then this has all the potential to be a win for consumers. We reckon firefighters will appreciate it too.
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