French auto maker Renault said it is making its Fireman Access system, which enables firefighters to drench burning battery cells in electric vehicles (EVs), available to the global automotive industry with free licencing.
It claims firefighters can put out EV fires in roughly the same time as on a combustion vehicle, using less water. An adhesive disc is placed over an opening in the casing of the vehicle’s traction battery, effectively sealing it for normal use.
If the vehicle catches fire and the flames spread to the battery, the powerful jet from the fire hose dislodges the disc and drenches the cells in water – effectively stopping thermal runaway.
The company has filed seven patents for the system. It said it committed to work alongside United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, to raise awareness of road safety around the world and deploy technological innovations to save lives on the roads.
