ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY RETENTION AND EJECTION SYSTEM

A vehicle battery retention and ejection system includes a housing having a portion that closes an opening of the housing. A latch secures the portion of the housing in a closed position when the latch is in a first condition and allows the portion of the housing to open when the latch is in a second, different condition. A biasing member, such as a spring, applies a force onto a battery in the housing to urge the battery out of the housing. The latch, the biasing member, or both comprises a shape memory material. The shape memory material transitions to a different state when the temperature of the battery exceeds a threshold temperature. As a result, the latch transitions from the first condition to the second condition so the portion of the housing moves into the open position and the biasing member forces the battery out of the housing.