Electric car news
Electric cars are increasingly present on our roads, but they still raise questions, particularly in terms of safety. You may wonder if these vehicles are really safe, especially in the face of the fire risks we sometimes hear about. Rest assured, major technological advances are underway to make electric cars even safer. Let’s dive together into these innovations that could well revolutionize the world of electric automobiles.
Revolutionary technology to fight fires
An American company, Aspen Aerogels, is poised to disrupt the market with its cutting-edge technology. This company, which has already collaborated with NASA, has developed ultra-light materials capable of effectively fighting battery fires. The American government has so much confidence in this innovation that it has decided to invest massively: a direct loan of 570 million euros was awarded to Aspen Aerogels by the United States Department of Energy.
But what exactly is this technology? It is about thermal barriers installed between the battery cells. These barriers have the ability to not only suppress fires, but also prevent them from spreading to neighboring cells. The major advantage of these materials lies in their exceptional lightness: they have virtually no impact on the weight or energy density of the battery, unlike traditional aerogels.
A promising investment for the future of electric automobiles
The financial commitment of the American government is not trivial. It demonstrates a strong desire to secure the future of electric mobility. This initiative should have significant economic benefits:
- Creation of 550 jobs in the construction sector
- Generation of 255 full-time jobs for operations
These jobs will be created at a new facility located in Register, Georgia. Once at full capacity, this plant will be able to provide thermal barriers for 2 million electric cars per year. Production is expected to begin in 2027, ushering in a new era for electric vehicle safety.
A technology already popular with major manufacturers
The effectiveness of this technology has not escaped the automotive giants. Aspen Aerogels has already signed multi-year contracts with several major manufacturers, including General Motors, Toyota, Audi and Scania. This recognition from the automotive industry demonstrates the relevance and potential of this innovation.
Interestingly, this technology is not limited to the automotive sector. Aspen Aerogels has also worked with NASA to develop aerogels for use in space programs. These materials also find applications in many industrial and consumer products, and are even used in Formula 1 cars.
The challenge of “thermal runaway” finally met?
One of the main safety risks of electric cars is the phenomenon of “thermal runaway”. This is a situation where the battery overheats uncontrollably, to the point where it can burn for hours, without even needing oxygen. This phenomenon can be triggered by various factors: cell damage, prolonged flooding, short circuits or accidents.
The thermal barriers developed by Aspen Aerogels appear to offer an effective solution to this problem. With a thickness between 1 and 4 millimetersthey can be stacked between battery cells. The installation cost is estimated between 255 and 850 euros per vehiclea relatively modest investment in view of the security provided.
A race for innovation for safer batteries
Aspen Aerogels isn’t the only company working on battery safety. Faced with the democratization of electric cars and growing concerns about battery safety, many players in the sector are intensifying their research and development efforts.
For example, South Korean battery manufacturer LG Chem recently announced the development of a “security hardening layer” inside the cells. It is a thin layer, one micrometer thick, placed between the cathode and the current collector, capable of reducing the risk of fire.
These technological advances are promising, but they also raise new challenges. How to democratize these technologies? How to mass produce them while controlling costs? These questions are crucial for these innovations to have a real impact on daily road safety.
As a car enthusiast and attentive observer of the electric car market, I can only rejoice at these advances. They demonstrate a collective awareness of the importance of safety in the development of electric mobility. These innovations should help to strengthen consumer confidence in electric cars, a key element in accelerating the transition to more sustainable mobility.
As you will have understood, the future of electric cars looks not only greener, but also safer. These new fire protection technologies mark a turning point in the history of electric automobiles. They open the way to a new generation of vehicles, combining performance, respect for the environment and optimal safety. So, are you ready to embark on this electrifying adventure?
Written by Albert Lecoq
Specialist in electric car buying guides, I am passionate about new technologies and am a strong supporter of the adoption of electric technology and sustainable mobility.
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