Recent incidents of battery explosions in new energy vehicles in China have caused casualties and property damage, attracting public attention. Recently, a technology developed by a car manufacturer to eject batteries from vehicles has garnered criticism due to the potential harm it may cause to other vehicles and pedestrians.
A video circulating online shows a demonstration of a technology where car batteries can be ejected from vehicles when they experience “thermal runaway”. The video displays banners saying “China Automotive Collision Repair Technology Research Center,” “Power Battery Ejection Technology Demonstration Conference,” and “Revolutionary Breakthrough in New Energy Vehicle Safety.” With a loud bang, a power battery is ejected from under the chassis of a vehicle and is propelled several meters away from the passenger side at high speed.
According to a report by the China Economic Daily on September 22, on September 19, the China Automotive Collision Repair Technology Research Center, in collaboration with Junsheng Electronics, introduced the so-called “battery ejection technology”. This technology uses a gas generator similar to a car safety airbag to propel the battery away from the vehicle, creating a so-called “safe zone” located 3-6 meters away from the vehicle, in case of a thermal runaway of the battery.
However, this technology has quickly sparked controversy. Netizens argue that this presents a scenario where one saves themselves while endangering others: “When an electric car battery catches fire, it can be very intense. After the battery is ejected, it becomes a source of fire, easily igniting nearby vehicles or buildings,” “If this happens on a highway or at a gas station, the consequences would be even more severe,” “If the battery lands inside someone’s shop, the consequences would be much more serious.”
Some netizens also commented, “Originally, you only had to deal with one vehicle, but now by ejecting the battery, it becomes a situation involving multiple cars,” “This proves that electric vehicles in China may explode at any time, and they cannot resolve this ticking time bomb themselves,” “This invention is terrifying, with the inventor only considering their own safety, while disregarding the safety of others,” “Imagine driving on the highway and suddenly the battery pops out,” “If your own car catches fire, the insurance company can cover it, but if the battery injures others and their vehicles, the car owner will suffer greatly.”
Junsheng Electronics responded to the media yesterday, stating that they have no cooperation or development agreements with the “China Automotive Collision Repair Technology Research Center”.
The China Automotive Collision Repair Technology Research Center is under the McTech Group, which owns independent brands such as Welion, Bantam, and Maxima.