Autoliv, Inc., the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, and Mersen, a global expert in electrical power and advanced materials, announced a collaboration to develop devices that will help make electric vehicles safer.
Unlike traditional passenger cars, which function with a 12-volt electrical system, today's advanced electric vehicles can have systems with more than 500 volts. Those high voltage systems may pose a greater risk of catching fire, potentially harming occupants and first responders in an accident.
The Autoliv and Mersen collaboration will produce disconnect devices that utilise Autoliv's proven pyrotechnical safety switch (Pyroswitch) technology and Mersen's fuse hybridisation concepts to create affordable devices that can disconnect up to 1,000-volt power source in milliseconds before dangerous arcing can occur.
Jordi Lombarte, Autoliv Chief Technical Officer, said, 'Autoliv is committed to saving more lives, and together with Mersen, we are committed to fostering technology that saves lives. Combined, we have more than 165 years of experience. By working together to make electric vehicles safer, we will accelerate the speed of innovation and impact for our customers and communities.'
Luc Themelin, Chief Executive Officer of Mersen, said, 'This joint collaboration is a new promising step forward in the electric vehicle market. It's the result of working together with Autoliv's team to develop affordable devices that will help make vehicles safer.'
NB: Photo is representational.