Fireman Access, the Safety Device for Electric Cars Designed with Firefighters

Electric cars are often perceived to catch fire more frequently than internal combustion vehicles, but statistics and studies suggest otherwise.

According to various studies, electric cars are less likely to catch fire than internal combustion vehicles. This is partly because electric cars do not contain flammable liquids like petrol or oil, reducing the risk of ignition.

However, it is important to note that electric car fires can differ from those in combustion vehicles. The batteries in electric cars can generate heat and, in some cases, cause fires that are more challenging to extinguish.

To help dispel myths about the frequency of fires in these vehicles and facilitate extinguishing them when they occur, Renault Group has collaborated with firefighters to create the Fireman Access. This innovation allows emergency services to extinguish a fire in an electric vehicle in a time comparable to that of a thermal vehicle.

Technically, an adhesive disc seals an opening made in the vehicle's traction battery casing, ensuring the necessary watertightness for normal use.

If a vehicle fire spreads to the battery, this disc can yield under the hose's jet, submerging the cells, which is the only effective and quick way to end thermal runaway.

Thus, a battery fire can be extinguished in minutes, compared to several hours and ten times more water without this device. Therefore, the Fireman Access allows firefighters to be operationally available more quickly. This device is the subject of seven registered patents and currently equips all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles marketed by Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize worldwide.

Renault Group now provides free access to Fireman Access patents to the entire automotive industry. Through an open collaborative platform at www.renault/universalpatent.com, any car manufacturer or equipment supplier wishing to do so can obtain a free license for this innovation. In return, under a principle of collaboration, the licensee commits to ensuring that any improvements they might introduce to the system benefit the entire community.