Renault has developed a simple yet effective solution to help firefighters tackle electric vehicle battery fires more quickly. Dubbed ‘Fireman Access’, the system allows water to reach the battery cells in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing extinguishing times compared to traditional methods.

At the heart of the system is a sealed access point built into the battery casing. Under normal conditions, an adhesive disc covers the opening, keeping the battery safely enclosed. However, in the event of a fire, a high-pressure jet from a fire hose dislodges the disc, allowing water to flow directly onto the battery cells. Renault claims this is the fastest and most effective way to stop thermal runaway, the chain reaction that causes battery fires to intensify.

The French carmaker has filed seven patents for the technology, which has already been integrated into all battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models across its brands. Now, Renault is making these patents freely available via an open collaborative platform on its website, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt the system.

Beyond cutting response times from several hours to just minutes, Renault says Fireman Access also has an environmental benefit. Extinguishing an EV battery fire without the system requires up to ten times more water, making this a more sustainable solution for emergency services.

Despite its advantages, Fireman Access is only useful if first responders know it’s there and can find it. Renault has positioned the access point under the rear seat bench, but in a severe accident, reaching it could still prove difficult. A standardised location across manufacturers would help simplify rescue operations.

Fireman Access isn’t the only approach to tackling EV battery fires. Austrian firefighting equipment firm Rosenbauer has developed a more universal solution: a high-force extinguishing spike that punctures the battery casing and injects water directly inside. While effective, this requires specialist equipment and comes at a higher cost.

Speaking on the innovation, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said: “Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault. Fireman Access is a practical demonstration of what can be achieved by combining our expertise as a manufacturer with the skills of the men and women who keep us safe every day. Today, I’m delighted to be making this innovation freely available, because when it comes to a subject like safety, we need to break down all the barriers.”