Abstract: An exhaust gas heating system and method for rapidly heating an exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine upstream from a catalytic converter. The exhaust gas heating system includes a heating element in the form of a multi-layer ceramic heater that is capable of heating to 1800° F. within 4 to 8 seconds to rapidly increase the temperature of the exhaust gas passing through an exhaust pipe during a cold start phase of the ICE. A control system is programmed to activate and deactivate the heating element. Rapid heating of the ICE exhaust gas allows the catalytic converter to be more efficiently and completely clean and purify the exhaust gas during the cold start phase of the ICE.