Major Automaker Unveils Revolutionary Safety Innovation for Next-Gen EVs—A Life-Saving Breakthrough

As France’s second-largest automaker, Renault has extensive experience in car manufacturing. So when it made its life-saving technology available, other companies certainly took notice.

In February, Renault Group announced that it would offer its Fireman Access system to the entire automotive industry to enhance safety measures. Even more impressively, the company is providing this technology free of charge.

Renault Group’s technology enables fire and rescue services to extinguish electric vehicle battery fires within minutes instead of hours.

As part of the free licensing agreement, participating companies must share any improvements they develop with other members of the partnership.

According to a study by the National Transportation Safety Board, fires in electric vehicles (EVs) powered by high-voltage lithium-ion batteries present a risk of electric shock to emergency responders due to exposure to the battery’s high-voltage components.

However, EV fires are significantly less frequent than those in internal combustion engine vehicles, occurring at a rate of about 25 fires per 100,000 EVs sold. Despite their rarity, lithium-ion battery fires can be challenging to fully extinguish because they take a long time to cool.

To enhance EV safety, a team of scientists in South Korea is developing a new type of battery that has the potential to extinguish fires on its own, further reducing risks associated with EV fires.

Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, shared the company’s motivation for offering its technology for free in a news release:

“Innovation aimed at enhancing road safety is deeply embedded in Renault’s identity. We take great pride in our collaboration with fire services over the past few years.

… Today, I am pleased to make this innovation accessible to everyone, as safety is a priority that should have no barriers.”