According to the South Korean supplier, the system can extinguish fires at an early stage by releasing a suppressant within five minutes of initial ignition. This five-minute window is critical: current regulations in Europe, China, and India require that thermal runaway across the battery be delayed for at least five minutes after the first cell ignites, giving vehicle occupants enough time to safely exit the vehicle after a crash.

However, Hyundai Mobis says its new Battery System Assembly (BSA) was not merely designed to meet existing requirements, but rather in anticipation of stricter safety rules aimed at preventing any heat transfer between cells in the first place. The company believes such technologies will take centre stage in the next generation of battery systems on the global market.

Hyundai Mobis has unveiled a new battery system featuring an integrated fire extinguishing unit. It is designed to prevent heat from spreading to adjacent cells in the event of a malfunction, reducing the risk of larger thermal incidents.

By Carla Westerheide.