Svolt unveiled Dragon Armor 3.0 EV battery, separating fire channels from electrical ones to keep flames out of the passenger cabin. Learn more now.
Chinese battery maker Svolt has announced a breakthrough for electric‑vehicle safety: the Dragon Armor 3.0 pack physically separates the electrical terminals from the high‑temperature vent channels that release fire. In practical terms, a thermal runaway event will direct the flame away from, rather than toward, the passenger compartment.
How the Fire‑Isolation Design Works
The new pack places the positive electrode (the anode) on one side of the module while the pressure‑release vent – the pathway for hot gases and flames – is located on the opposite side. This creates a hard‑wired barrier; each side has its own dedicated conduit. If a cell overheats, the vent directs the flame downward and outward, preventing it from entering the cabin space.
Cell‑to‑Chassis (CTC) Integration
Dragon Armor 3.0 is also the first battery series that combines square‑shaped cells with Cell‑to‑Chassis (CTC) or Cell‑to‑Body (CTB) architecture. The design splits the pack into two zones: an upper section that can absorb mechanical impacts and a lower section that lowers internal pressure while providing a crash‑protective cavity.
Performance and Capacity Gains
- 7‑10% higher energy density without increasing overall package size.
- Cell height grown by just 5 mm.
- Operating temperature rises by 8 °C, extending safe‑operation windows.
- Safety margin (time before critical temperature) improves by 10%.
- Initiation temperature for thermal runaway climbs 5 °C, while the chance of an over‑heat event drops 25%.
Production Plans and Vehicle Range
Svolt will start mass production of two battery variants:
- 86 kWh – targeted at plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
- 115 kWh – designed for full‑electric models.
The 86 kWh pack promises more than a 10% increase in cycle life and a pure‑electric driving range exceeding 400 km, while the larger 115 kWh version aims for up to 800 km in LFP‑based applications and supports 4C fast‑charging for NCM chemistries.
About Svolt
Svolt is the battery subsidiary of China’s Great Wall Motor, spun off in 2018 to focus on lithium‑ion cells for EVs and stationary storage. By mid‑2025 the company expects to rank among China’s top‑10 EV‑battery suppliers with roughly 2% market share.
Implications for Global EV Safety
Fire risk has long been a concern for consumers and regulators. By physically isolating ignition sources from the vehicle interior, Dragon Armor 3.0 could set a new safety benchmark, potentially influencing standards in the U.S., Europe and other major markets.
Looking Ahead
With safety‑first engineering and modest efficiency gains, Svolt’s Dragon Armor 3.0 may become a compelling option for automakers seeking to reassure buyers while extending driving range. The upcoming production run will be the first real‑world test of whether the technology can deliver on its promise of “fire‑free cabins.”