Road vehicle comprising a battery pack monitoring device and an alarm system and control method thereof

Abstract

A road vehicle (1) includes: a first control unit (12) configured to monitor a plurality of battery cells of a first energy storage system (6) to detect any thermal event and periodically wake up when the road vehicle (1) is in a sleep mode; and / or a second control unit (13) different from the first control unit (12) and configured to operate when the road vehicle (1) is in a sleep mode and monitor a plurality of battery cells of the first energy storage system (6) to detect any thermal event; the vehicle includes an alarm system (20) including a third control unit (15) configured to, upon detecting a thermal event, actuate at least a portion of a plurality of electrical loads (11) to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment of the road vehicle (1) regarding the ongoing thermal event.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian patent application No. 102024000028728, filed on December 17, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a road vehicle, comprising devices for monitoring a battery pack in the road vehicle's sleep mode and an associated alarm system. The invention also relates to a control method for the road vehicle.

[0004] Specifically, this invention is particularly applicable to high-performance electric (or hybrid) road vehicles, but its application is not limited thereto. The following description will explicitly refer to such applications, but its principles will not be diminished as a result. Background Technology

[0005] Known hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles (EV / PHEV / BEV) are equipped with at least one motor, which is electrically connected to an energy storage system (i.e., a battery pack) and mechanically connected to the drive wheels to transmit drive torque to the drive wheels.

[0006] The electrical system of a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle typically includes a high-voltage (relatively speaking, its nominal voltage can also be as low as 48 volts) high-power circuit to which the motor is connected; the high-voltage circuit includes a storage device (equipped with at least one electrochemical battery pack, such as a lithium-ion or polymer battery pack) and a bidirectional DC-AC power electronic converter, which is connected to the storage device on the DC side and to the motor on the AC side, and also has the function of driving the motor itself.

[0007] The electrical system of such vehicles also includes low-voltage (nominal voltage is typically 12 volts) low-power circuits to which all electrical auxiliary devices are connected (e.g., control units for all vehicle subsystems, infotainment systems, anti-theft systems, cabin lighting systems, exterior lights, electric starters for the heat engines in hybrid vehicles, etc.).

[0008] Specifically, the low-voltage circuitry typically also includes a so-called BMS (Battery Management System) for the high-voltage storage devices. This known type of system is responsible for managing and monitoring the vehicle's battery pack. Specifically, the BMS handles the following (including but not limited to):

[0009] - Monitor the health of the battery pack to ensure it operates correctly and safely.

[0010] - Manage battery charging and discharging to optimize battery pack performance and lifespan.

[0011] - Prevents emergencies such as overcurrent, short circuits, or accidents by disconnecting the battery from the rest of the high-voltage circuit when necessary.

[0012] In summary, BMS is crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of energy storage systems in road vehicles.

[0013] However, the battery management system (BMS) is not always active. Specifically, when an electric vehicle or hybrid road vehicle enters a "sleep" mode (such as during a long period of parking), the BMS shuts down to limit the battery pack's power consumption.

[0014] With the BMS shut down, if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, i.e., the internal temperature of the battery pack rises abnormally (which may be caused by a variety of factors such as short circuit, overload or battery cell failure), the vehicle will not be able to intervene in a short time, thus posing a significant fire risk and safety threat to people or objects near the vehicle.

[0015] To avoid these harmful events, a specially upgraded battery pack can be installed to continuously power the BMS, thus keeping the BMS always on. However, in high-performance vehicles, there is always a need to reduce weight and overall size to maximize vehicle performance (e.g., on the track), and adding additional battery modules (along with their corresponding weight) is not easily achievable. Furthermore, to maximize performance, it is crucial that the vehicle maintains as high a charge level as possible, even after entering sleep mode.

[0016] Therefore, systems have been developed in recent years to monitor battery packs during sleep mode in road vehicles (either by periodically waking up the BMS or using specialized equipment). However, if these systems detect a malfunction (such as a thermal event), the vehicle is at risk of rapid fire. In such cases, swift action is crucial for both environmental and safety reasons, as other vehicles, people, buildings, or objects in the vicinity of the road vehicle could be affected.

[0017] Therefore, it seems necessary to reduce the risk of the fire spreading to vehicles on the road, or at least to minimize the resulting personal injury or property damage. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The purpose of this invention is to provide a road vehicle including a battery pack monitoring device (during the road vehicle's sleep mode), an alarm system, and a corresponding control method, which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, while being easy to implement and cost-effective.

[0019] According to the present invention, a control method and a road vehicle are provided, the road vehicle including a battery pack monitoring device (during the sleep mode of the road vehicle) and an alarm system.

[0020] The vehicles on this road include:

[0021] - Four wheels, of which at least one pair are drive wheels;

[0022] - Electric or hybrid powertrain systems;

[0023] - An electrical system, comprising:

[0024] A high-voltage HV circuit is equipped with a first energy storage system, which includes multiple battery cells and at least one motor for moving the electric or hybrid powertrain system; wherein the first energy storage system is configured to supply power to the motor.

[0025] A low-voltage LV circuit equipped with a second energy storage system and multiple electrical loads; wherein the second energy storage system is configured to supply power to the multiple electrical loads.

[0026] The road vehicles further include:

[0027] - A first control unit, specifically the battery management system (BMS) of a first energy storage system powered by a second storage system; the first control unit is configured to monitor the aforementioned plurality of battery cells of the first energy storage system to detect any thermal events; the first control unit is configured to periodically wake up when the road vehicle is in sleep mode; and / or

[0028] - A second control unit, which is different from the first control unit, is configured to operate when the road vehicle is in sleep mode, during which the first control unit is turned off; the second control unit is configured to monitor the aforementioned plurality of battery cells of the first energy storage system to detect any thermal events;

[0029] The road vehicle includes an alarm system comprising a third control unit configured to, upon detection of a thermal event by a first or second control unit, actuate at least a portion of the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment of the road vehicle regarding the ongoing thermal event.

[0030] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical loads configured to be actuated by the third control unit include a horn configured to be operated to issue a danger warning to persons or objects near the road vehicle.

[0031] In some embodiments, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads configured to be actuated by the third control unit include an infotainment system, which includes one or more screens configured to display warning information and / or audio devices configured to play audible warning signals that can be perceived outside the road vehicle.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads configured to be actuated by the third control unit include one or more front and / or rear lights, particularly turn signal lights.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical loads configured to be actuated by the third control unit include a transmission unit for sending alarm signals to remote devices, particularly to the mobile devices of the users of the road vehicle, or to receiving devices of security entities, particularly to receiving devices of law enforcement or fire departments.

[0034] In some embodiments, the third control unit is configured, for example, to detect the presence of people near the road vehicle via a radar sensor, in order to selectively activate only a portion of the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads.

[0035] In some embodiments, the third control unit is configured to detect whether a user is present in or near the road vehicle in order to selectively activate only a portion of the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads.

[0036] In some embodiments, the road vehicle includes: a fire suppression system disposed within a first energy storage system; the plurality of electrical loads configured to be actuated by the third control unit also include the fire suppression system, which is capable of operating upon detection of a thermal event.

[0037] Control methods include:

[0038] - Monitor the aforementioned multiple battery cells in the first energy storage system through the first control unit and / or the second control unit to detect any thermal events while the road vehicle is in sleep mode;

[0039] The method also includes the following steps:

[0040] - The alarm system actuates at least a portion of the aforementioned electrical loads to at least alert the surrounding environment of the road vehicle about the ongoing thermal event.

[0041] In some embodiments, the actuation step includes issuing a command to the horn to warn people or objects near the road vehicle of a danger warning; in particular, the horn is actuated intermittently.

[0042] In some embodiments, the actuation step includes operating an infotainment system, which includes one or more screens displaying warning information and / or audio devices playing audible warning signals that can be perceived outside the vehicle on the road.

[0043] In some embodiments, the actuation step includes controlling one or more front and / or rear lights, particularly turn signals; especially in an intermittent manner.

[0044] In some embodiments, the actuation step includes issuing a command to the transmission unit to send an alarm signal to a remote device, particularly to the mobile device of the user of the road vehicle, or to a receiving device of a security entity, particularly to the receiving device of a law enforcement or fire department.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following steps: for example, detecting the presence of persons near the road vehicle by a radar sensor, or detecting the presence of users inside or near the road vehicle, to selectively activate only a portion of the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of: actuating a fire extinguishing system disposed within a first energy storage system in the event of a thermal event. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments, wherein:

[0048] - Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a road vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, with details omitted for clarity;

[0049] - Figure 2 A view is shown of a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention;

[0050] - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of the battery pack of the vehicle, which includes a fire suppression system. Detailed Implementation

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the accompanying drawing, reference numeral 1 generally indicates a road vehicle equipped with two front wheels 2 and two rear wheels 3, wherein at least one pair (or all) of the wheels receives drive torque from an electric or hybrid powertrain system 4. The powertrain system 4 can be purely electric (i.e., consisting of only one or more electric motors) or hybrid (i.e., consisting of an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor).

[0052] The same reference numerals and letters in the accompanying drawings identify the same elements or parts that have the same function.

[0053] In the context of this specification, the term "second part" does not imply the existence of a "first part." These terms are actually used as labels to enhance clarity and should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner.

[0054] The elements and features shown in the various preferred embodiments (including the accompanying drawings) can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this application as described below.

[0055] The powertrain system 4 preferably includes at least one motor 5, which is driven by an AC / DC power electronic converter (of a known type and not shown, i.e., an "inverter") connected to a first energy storage system 6 equipped with chemical batteries. The first energy storage system 6 is an on-board battery pack and thus sequentially includes a plurality of electrochemical battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells.

[0056] In addition, the road vehicle 1 includes an electrical system 7, which includes a high voltage (HV) circuit 8 (relatively speaking, for example, but not limited to, with a nominal voltage of 1200 volts, 800 volts, 400 volts or 48 volts) and a low voltage (LV) circuit 9 (for example, with a nominal voltage of 12 volts).

[0057] It should be noted that circuit 8 is called a "high voltage" circuit because its nominal voltage (1200V, 800V, 400V, 48V) is higher than the nominal voltage (12V) of circuit 9. That is, the definition of "high voltage" should be understood only in relation to electrical system 7 and with reference to circuit 9, which has a nominal voltage of 12 volts.

[0058] The high-voltage HV circuit 8 includes a first energy storage system 6 and a motor 5 (i.e., the stator windings of the motor 5). Specifically, the first energy storage system 6 is configured to supply power to the motor 5.

[0059] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the low-voltage LV circuit 9 includes a second storage system 10 (which obviously also has the same voltage as circuit 9) and a plurality of electrical loads 11, each of which can only absorb electrical energy to maintain its operation (i.e., none of these electrical loads 11 can generate electrical energy). In other words, the second storage system 10 is configured to supply power to the plurality of electrical loads 11.

[0060] The voltage of the second storage system 10 is lower than the voltage of the first energy storage system 6.

[0061] Advantageous, but not essential, electrical loads 11 may include, for example, an alarm system 20, a horn 21, an infotainment system 22, an inverter control electronic control unit, a BMS, steer-by-wire, active suspension, exterior lights, an air conditioning system (not shown), window operation, a car radio, a navigation system, a connection system to the user's smartphone, or a hazard warning light signal system.

[0062] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the electrical system 7 also includes a first control unit ("BMS") 12. Physically, the first control unit 12 may consist of a single device or multiple devices that are separate from each other and communicate with each other via the CAN network of the road vehicle 1 or any other data network.

[0063] Preferably, the first control unit 12 includes (itself) the BMS management system of the first energy storage system 6 and is powered by the second storage system 10. In particular, as previously described, the BMS management system is configured to monitor the correct health status of the aforementioned battery cells and manage the first energy storage system 6 using known and further described techniques.

[0064] In some non-restrictive cases, the road vehicle 1 is configured to periodically wake up the first control unit 12 to monitor the status of the first energy storage system 6.

[0065] In other non-limiting cases, the road vehicle 1 includes a second control unit 13, which is different from the first control unit 12, and is configured to operate when the road vehicle 1 is in a sleep mode (e.g., after a long period of parking), during which the first control unit 1 (i.e., the BMS) is turned off.

[0066] The first control unit 12 or the second control unit 13 is respectively configured to monitor the voltage and temperature of at least a plurality of battery cells in the first energy storage system 6 (i.e., the vehicle battery pack).

[0067] Specifically, this monitoring is achieved by connecting the first control unit 12 and optionally the second control unit 13 to devices called CSCs (Cell Sensor Circuits), which are distributed components of known types of BMSs responsible for cell equalization, temperature, and voltage monitoring of each individual battery cell or a finite group of battery cells. These signals are shared with the BMS (i.e., with the first control unit 12) during the vehicle's wake-up state (i.e., non-sleep mode). Conversely, during sleep mode, these signals are preferably intercepted by the second control unit 13, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the health status of the battery cells and thus the first energy storage system 6.

[0068] Therefore, the first control unit 12 and / or the second control unit 13, and multiple battery cells of the first energy storage system 6 are configured to detect any thermal events while the road vehicle 1 is in sleep mode.

[0069] As previously described, the road vehicle 1 advantageously includes an alarm system 20, which includes a third control unit 15. The third control unit 15 is configured to, after the first control unit 12 or the second control unit 13 detects a thermal event (e.g., thermal runaway, which can be detected by monitoring the voltage and / or temperature of a battery cell, according to known methods), actuate at least some of the plurality of electrical loads 11 to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment (i.e., the surrounding area) of the road vehicle 1 regarding the ongoing thermal event.

[0070] Preferably, but not limitingly, the plurality of electrical loads 11 configured to be actuated by the third control unit 15 include a horn 21, which is configured to operate after the third control unit 15 receives a command H to issue a danger warning to persons or objects near the road vehicle 1. Specifically, the horn 21 is operated intermittently to indicate an alarm status.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads 11 configured to be actuated by the third control unit 15 may include an infotainment system 22, which in turn includes one or more screens 23 (e.g., a central screen on the vehicle's dashboard, a cluster, or a passenger screen), configured to display warning information or messages. In this way, if a pedestrian is alerted near the road vehicle 1 by the horn 21 or by other electrical loads 11 activated by the third control unit 15, he / she can immediately understand the risk and evacuate the area by looking inside the vehicle.

[0072] Similarly, alternatively or additionally, the infotainment system 22 includes audio devices 24 (e.g., speakers) configured to play audible warning signals that are perceptible outside the road vehicle 1. For example, by turning up the volume of a stereo system typically present in the road vehicle to its maximum, audio messages can be heard outside even when the vehicle doors and windows are closed.

[0073] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads 11 configured to be actuated by the third control unit 15 include one or more front and / or rear lights 25, particularly turn signals (used in combination, for example as hazard warning lights in an emergency). Clearly, any type of light mounted on the road vehicle 1 can be used to attract attention as much as possible (headlights, fog lights, interior lights, position lights, etc.).

[0074] According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads 11, configured to be actuated by the third control unit 15, include a transmission unit 16 for sending an alarm signal A to remote devices, particularly to the mobile device 17 of the user of road vehicle 1 or the receiving device 18 of a security entity (especially law enforcement or fire departments). In this way, the alarm signal can be received by the user of road vehicle 1, as well as law enforcement, fire departments, and / or various rescue personnel (optionally, this can be set according to the country where road vehicle 1 is located, which can be set or detected via GPS or mobile networks). Thanks to signal A, even if the user is extremely far away, the risks of thermal events can be minimized by local authorities who can intervene based on alarm signal A, which also includes the location of road vehicle 1, for timely intervention.

[0075] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the third control unit 15 is configured to detect the presence of persons near the road vehicle 1 (e.g., via a known type of radar sensor, which will not be described further below), thereby selectively activating only a portion of the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads 11. For example, if the road vehicle 1 detects the presence of persons, the horn 21, headlights 25, and infotainment system 22 can be operated. Conversely, if the road vehicle 1 detects that no one is nearby, activating the headlights 25 and screen 23 is essentially useless, while the horn 21 may still be detected, so the alarm system 20 will activate the horn 21 and optionally activate the transmission unit 16.

[0076] In some non-limiting cases, the third control unit 15 is configured to detect the presence of a user inside or near the road vehicle 1 (e.g., by detecting the vehicle key) in order to selectively activate only a portion of the aforementioned electrical loads. In this case, it would be sufficient for the road vehicle 1 to issue a warning to the user (e.g., the user is resting inside the vehicle or is waiting long enough for the vehicle to enter sleep mode).

[0077] Advantageous but not restrictive, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the road vehicle 1 includes a fire suppression system 19 housed within the first energy storage system 6. Specifically, the aforementioned plurality of electrical loads 11, configured to be actuated by the third control unit 15, also include the fire suppression system 19, which can be activated upon detection of a thermal event. In other words, once the first control unit 12 or the second control unit 13 detects a thermal event, the third control unit 15, in addition to optionally activating all the aforementioned electrical loads 11, will also actuate the fire suppression system 19, which extinguishes any flame, for example, by releasing a flame-retardant aerosol within the battery pack through a small deflagration.

[0078] Specifically, the fire extinguishing system 19 includes devices of known types that use suitable foam or powder depending on the chemical type of the battery cells constituting the first energy storage system 6.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for the aforementioned road vehicle 1 is provided.

[0080] The method includes the following steps:

[0081] - Multiple battery cells in the first energy storage system 6 are monitored by the first control unit 12 and / or the second control unit 13 to detect any thermal events while the road vehicle 1 is in sleep mode;

[0082] - The alarm system 20 actuates at least a portion of the plurality of electrical loads 11 to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment of the road vehicle 1 regarding an ongoing thermal event.

[0083] The actuation step preferably includes issuing a command to the horn 21 to issue a danger warning to people or objects near the road vehicle 1; in particular, the horn 21 is actuated intermittently.

[0084] Advantageously but not limitingly, the actuation steps include the step of operating the infotainment system 22, which in turn includes one or more screens 23 that display warning information / messages and / or audio devices 24 that play audible warning signals that can be perceived outside the road vehicle 1.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, the actuation steps include controlling one or more front and / or rear lights 25 (particularly turn signals, and more particularly in an intermittent manner).

[0086] Advantageously, but not limitingly, the actuation step includes issuing a command to the transmission unit 16 for sending an alarm signal A to a remote device, particularly to the mobile device 17 of the user of the road vehicle 1 or the receiving device 18 of a security entity (particularly law enforcement or fire departments).

[0087] Preferably, but not limitingly, the method further includes the step of: detecting, for example, the presence of persons near the road vehicle 1 by a radar sensor, or detecting the presence of users inside or near the road vehicle 1, thereby selectively (e.g., as described above) activating only a portion of the plurality of electrical loads 11.

[0088] Advantageously but not necessarily, the method also includes the further step of actuating a fire extinguishing system 19 located within the first energy storage system 6 in the event of a thermal event.

[0089] exist Figure 3In a non-limiting embodiment, a first energy storage system 6 (i.e., a battery pack) is schematically shown to illustrate its internal structure, in which a fire extinguishing system 19 is visible. This system includes an aerosol fire extinguishing device (e.g.), which is powered by a cable 26 and can be activated / detonated on command of a first control unit 12 or a third control unit 15, or independently detect any thermal event via a detection cable 27.

[0090] Advantageously but not necessarily, the low voltage LV is equal to or below 48V, especially equal to 12V.

[0091] Advantageously but not necessarily, the high voltage HV is equal to or higher than 48V, especially equal to 48V, preferably equal to or higher than 400V, especially 400V, 800V or 1200V.

[0092] Therefore, in use, such as Figure 2 As illustrated in the embodiment, a potentially hazardous thermal event occurs at time t0 while the road vehicle 1 is in sleep mode (where the first control unit 12 (i.e., the BMS) is off). Subsequently, the health status of each battery cell constituting it is monitored by checking the voltage and temperature of each CSC from the first storage device 6, using either a programmed wake-up of the first control unit 12 or continuous monitoring by the second control unit 13. It is then assessed whether at least one of the detected voltages or temperatures exceeds a predefined safety threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, at time t1, the first control unit 12 or the second control unit 13 detects event E and sends an alarm signal AL to the third control unit 15 (i.e., the VCU). The third control unit 15 issues commands via alarm signals B and H to the horn 21, infotainment system 22, and headlights 25, and sends a warning A to alert the user of the road vehicle 1 via mobile device 17, and particularly to law enforcement via receiving device 18, so that a safe state can be restored as quickly as possible.

[0093] Although the invention described above has been specifically illustrated with reference to very particular embodiments, it is not limited to those embodiments, as all variations, modifications or simplifications covered by the appended claims, such as different types of storage systems, verification devices or different measurement methods, are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0094] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this invention.

[0095] The aforementioned vehicles and methods have many advantages.

[0096] First, even during the sleep mode of road vehicle 1, the vehicle and method can maintain continuous or at least frequent monitoring of the battery pack, thereby significantly improving safety.

[0097] In addition, in the event of a detected thermal event, it can immediately alert people or objects near road vehicle 1 to the danger and can immediately alert law enforcement agencies.

[0098] Finally, in addition to the above, the fire suppression system can be activated to further enhance safety and prevent the fire from spreading.

[0099] List of reference numerals

[0100] 1: Road vehicles

[0101] 2: Front wheel

[0102] 3: Rear wheel

[0103] 4: Powertrain System

[0104] 5: Motor

[0105] 6: Storage System

[0106] 7: Electrical System

[0107] 8: High-voltage circuit

[0108] 9: Low-voltage circuit

[0109] 10: Second storage system

[0110] 11: Electrical loads

[0111] 12: First Control Unit (BMS)

[0112] 13: Second Control Unit

[0113] 14: Aerosol Equipment

[0114] 15: Third Control Unit

[0115] 16: Transmission Unit

[0116] 17: Mobile devices

[0117] 18: Receiving equipment

[0118] 19: Fire Extinguishing System

[0119] 20: Alarm System

[0120] 21: Trumpet

[0121] 22: Infotainment System

[0122] 23: Screen

[0123] 24: Audio equipment

[0124] 25: Car lights

[0125] 26: Cable

[0126] 27: Cable testing

[0127] A: Warning / Alarm Signal

[0128] AL: Alarm signal

[0129] B: Alarm signal

[0130] E: Event

[0131] H: Alarm signal

Claims

1. A road vehicle (1), comprising: - Four wheels (2, 3), of which at least one pair of wheels (2, 3) are drive wheels; - Electric or hybrid powertrain system (4); - Electrical system (7), said electrical system (7) includes: A high-voltage HV circuit (8) is equipped with a first energy storage system (6), the first energy storage system (6) comprising a plurality of battery cells and at least one motor (5) for moving the electric or hybrid powertrain system (4); wherein the first energy storage system (6) is configured to supply power to the motor (5); A low-voltage LV circuit (9) is equipped with a second energy storage system (10) and a plurality of electrical loads (11); wherein the second energy storage system (10) is configured to supply power to the plurality of electrical loads (11); The road vehicle (1) further includes: - A first control unit (12), specifically the battery management system (BMS) of the first energy storage system (6) powered by the second storage system (10); the first control unit (12) is configured to monitor the plurality of battery cells of the first energy storage system (6) to detect any thermal events; the first control unit (12) is configured to periodically wake up when the road vehicle (1) is in sleep mode; and / or - A second control unit (13), which is different from the first control unit (12), is configured to operate when the road vehicle (1) is in sleep mode, during which the first control unit (12) is turned off; the second control unit (13) is configured to monitor the plurality of battery cells of the first energy storage system (6) to detect any thermal events; The road vehicle (1) is characterized in that it includes an alarm system (20), the alarm system (20) includes a third control unit (15), the third control unit (15) being configured to actuate at least a portion of the plurality of electrical loads (11) after the first control unit (12) or the second control unit (13) detects a thermal event, to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment of the road vehicle (1) regarding the thermal event that is occurring.

2. The road vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical loads (11) configured to be actuated by the third control unit (15) include a horn (21) configured to be operated to issue a danger warning to persons or objects near the road vehicle (1).

3. The road vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical loads (11) configured to be actuated by the third control unit (15) includes an infotainment system (22), the infotainment system (22) including one or more screens (23) configured to display warning information and / or audio devices (24) configured to play audible warning signals that can be perceived outside the road vehicle (1).

4. The road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of electrical loads (11) configured to be actuated by the third control unit (15) include one or more front and / or rear lights (25), particularly turn signals.

5. The road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the plurality of electrical loads (11) configured to be actuated by the third control unit (15) includes a transmission unit (16) for sending alarm signals to remote devices, particularly to mobile devices (17) of the user of the road vehicle (1), or to receiving devices (18) of security entities, particularly to receiving devices (18) of law enforcement or fire departments.

6. The road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the third control unit (15) is configured to detect, for example by means of a radar sensor, whether there are persons near the road vehicle (1) in order to selectively activate only a portion of the plurality of electrical loads (11).

7. The road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the third control unit (15) is configured to detect whether a user is present in or near the road vehicle (1) to selectively activate only a portion of the plurality of electrical loads (11).

8. The road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: The fire extinguishing system (19) is located within the first energy storage system (6); the plurality of electrical loads (11) configured to be actuated by the third control unit (15) also include the fire extinguishing system (19), which is capable of operating when a thermal event is detected.

9. A control method for a road vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1-3; the method comprising the following steps: - Monitor the plurality of battery cells in the first energy storage system (6) by means of the first control unit (12) and / or the second control unit (13) to detect any thermal events during the sleep mode of the road vehicle (1); The method is characterized by further comprising the following steps: - The alarm system (20) actuates at least a portion of the plurality of electrical loads (11) to issue an alarm to at least the surrounding environment of the road vehicle (1) regarding the ongoing thermal event.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuation step includes the step of issuing a command to the horn (21) to issue a danger warning to persons or objects near the road vehicle (1); in particular, the horn (21) is actuated intermittently.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuation step includes the step of operating an infotainment system (22), the infotainment system (22) including one or more screens (23) displaying warning information and / or audio devices (24) playing audible warning signals that can be perceived outside the road vehicle (1).

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the actuation step includes controlling one or more front and / or rear lights (25), particularly turn signals; particularly in an intermittent manner.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the actuation step includes the step of issuing a command to the transmission unit (16) for sending an alarm signal (A) to a remote device, particularly to the mobile device (17) of the user of the road vehicle (1), or to a receiving device (18) of a security entity, particularly to the receiving device (18) of a law enforcement or fire department.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising the following steps: For example, by detecting whether there are people near the road vehicle (1) or whether there are users inside or near the road vehicle (1), radar sensors can be used to selectively activate only a portion of the plurality of electrical loads (11).

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the following steps: In the event of a thermal event, the fire extinguishing system (19) installed in the first energy storage system (6) is activated.

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