Key Takeaways
- Xiaomi’s SU7 and YU7 feature upside-down battery cells for enhanced safety and packaging.
- The Modena platform integrates battery packs into the vehicle’s structure, directing potential hazards downward.
- Xiaomi plans to expand its electric vehicle offerings outside China by 2027.
Innovative Battery Design Enhances Safety
Xiaomi’s recent electric vehicles, the SU7 sedan and YU7 crossover, showcase a unique approach to battery safety by utilizing upside-down cells on their self-developed Modena platform. This innovative design aims to mitigate thermal runaway phenomena and improve passenger safety in the event of a crash.
Unlike traditional battery designs, the SU7 incorporates a cell-to-body structure where the battery pack forms an integral part of the vehicle’s chassis. The battery cells are mounted upside down, ensuring that if a thermal incident occurs, any fire or force will be directed downward, away from the vehicle’s occupants. This ingenious engineering approach has led to a sleek design that resembles conventional gasoline-powered cars rather than the bulkier electric models typically seen in the market.
While the base model SU7 is equipped with a battery produced by BYD’s FinDreams subsidiary, the more advanced Pro and Max trims utilize specially designed battery packs from CATL. Xiaomi emphasizes that the upside-down configuration is not merely a matter of flipping off-the-shelf cells; it poses unique challenges due to the gravity’s effect on the battery’s electrolyte and the potential for corrosion on the cells’ metal contacts.
To address these challenges, Xiaomi and CATL have developed a specialized electrolyte that performs well in an inverted orientation, along with using anti-corrosive materials for the contacts. Additionally, each cell is insulated with aerogel, providing an additional layer of protection against battery fires, although no solution can guarantee complete safety.
One of the most notable outcomes of this design innovation is the achievement of a thinner floor in the SU7, allowing it to maintain proportions similar to those of traditional combustion cars. This feature enhances the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal while contributing to its performance and efficiency.
Scheduled to launch in summer 2023, the YU7 will also utilize this cutting-edge technology. Currently, the SU7 is available in the Chinese market, and Xiaomi plans to extend its presence internationally by 2027, aiming to capture a share of the global electric vehicle market.
Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation in battery technology reflects an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and functionality of electric vehicles, marking a significant advancement in EV design and engineering. The introduction of the SU7 and YU7 represents a forward step in the automotive industry, emphasizing not only the importance of safety but also the merging of elegant design with high-performance capabilities. As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, these advancements position Xiaomi as a noteworthy player in the field.
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