Chinese CATL actually builds batteries for electric cars. But now they have tackled a chassis that will prevent electric cars from bursting into flames.
Chinese battery manufacturer CATL has developed a new chassis for electric cars that can withstand collisions at speeds of up to 120 km/h without the risk of fire.
The technology has been developed with a focus on increased safety in the event of accidents, and it uses materials that are also used in submarines and aircraft.
Although fires in electric cars are rare, they receive a lot of attention, especially because they are very difficult to extinguish.
However, CATL, which claims to be the world's largest battery manufacturer, is working to further minimize the risk. Its new chassis, called Bedrock, is designed to handle collision energy and protect the battery pack in high-stress situations.
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In several crash tests, the chassis has been subjected to extreme conditions. It has, among other things, survived a head-on collision with a pole at 120 km/h without subsequently bursting into flames.
Bedrock construction is based on a structure where the battery is protected from damage. Materials such as extra-strong steel and aluminum, normally used in submarines and aircraft, contribute to its exceptional robustness, according to the Chinese.
A key element of the design is the quick battery disconnect system. In the event of a collision, the battery can be switched off in 0.01 seconds and discharged in 0.02 seconds.
This minimizes the risk of fire in the event of serious accidents. According to the manufacturer, these features are an improvement over previous technologies.
The Bedrock chassis is designed to absorb up to 85 percent of the impact energy in an accident, compared to around 60 percent for a traditional chassis. This increased capacity can help reduce damage to occupants and vehicle components in an accident.
In addition to safety, the chassis also has the potential to simplify the production of electric cars. CATL estimates that the use of Bedrock can significantly shorten production time. However, they will not give an estimate of how much time can be saved.
The Bedrock design is flexible and can be used for a variety of vehicle types. The first manufacturer to choose to use the chassis in its vehicles is Avatr, a company owned by CATL.
However, it has not yet been announced when these cars will be available at dealers. We will not see the cars in Denmark either, as Avatr only sells cars in China.
But if the Chinese's claims are true, technologies like the Bedrock chassis can help raise the standard for safety in electric cars.
