The demand for safe materials to be used in electric vehicles (EVs), and particularly for battery boxes, has been growing fast in the last years especially owing to safety concerns and fire prevention initiatives. In this framework, the "FENICE - Fire rEsistant eNvironmental frIendly CompositEs" project aims to investigate and produce innovative fire-resistant composite materials made of carbon fibers and inorganic polymer matrices, specifically developed to reduce the risk of fire in vehicles and increase the service temperatures of the materials. When thermal resistance above 750°C is needed, that is when fiber metal laminates (FMLs) based on Al are not eligible owing to the metal softening, geopolymer-based fiber reinforced composites can be properly adopted. The use of geopolymeric matrices with a high Si:Al ratio and doped with 4-5% of carbides is proving to be an optimal solution for the produced carbon fiber reinforced composites. The developed materials indeed will have class-A fire resistance, low weight, and dimensional stability, combined with a low-cost, sustainable and easy production process. These features make them ideal for high temperature EV battery protection, and suitable for pre-industrial scale production and mass market adoption.
 Acknowledgement: EIT RawMaterials GmbH is acknowledged for supporting and funding this research within the project KAVA9 FENICE- Fire rEsistant eNvironmental frIendly CompositEs (Project Agreement n.o. 21099)