--- title: "Renault Is Giving Away Its Proprietary Tech to Stop EV Fires Quickly" date: "2025-02-19" modified: "2025-02-19" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/renault-is-giving-away-its-proprietary-tech-to-stop-ev-fires-quickly" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" --- # Renault Is Giving Away Its Proprietary Tech to Stop EV Fires Quickly ![]() *Renault* Renault is pulling a Volvo and licensing safety tech to the rest of the industry for free. Ages ago, the [Swedes famously created the three-point seatbelt]() and, rather than licensing it out to every other automaker for a big fat fee, they gave it away for free in the name of safety. [Renault]() is taking a similarly noble path with its electric vehicle "Fireman Access" system, which helps firefighters put out battery fires much, much quicker. EV battery fires are devastating. Studies [show]() that EVs don't catch fire as often as internal combustion cars, as some EV detractors might say, but when they do, the results are worse. [Battery fires ]()caused by thermal runaway burn extremely hot and don't require oxygen, making them incredibly difficult to put out. Not only does it take tons of water and several hours to finally extinguish a battery fire but the fire can restart on its own, even hours after it's been extinguished. Some fire departments have even turned to submerging burning EVs in dumpsters full of water and keeping them there for days sometimes to guarantee they stay out. ![]() ![]() However, Renault's patented system is as simple as it gets: An adhesive disk covers a hole in the battery pack. The disk is intentionally designed to be weak enough that it breaks under the pressure of a firehose and allows firefighters to flood the battery compartment with water. According to Renault, using this method allows EV fires to be put out as quickly as a few minutes, instead of hours. As a consequence, Renault says this method uses 10 times less water. “Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault. We're particularly proud of the partnership developed with the fire services in recent years. 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," said Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo in a press release. "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. This move is also in keeping with the commitment made alongside the United Nations, to make mobility safer all over the world." All current Renault, Alpine, and even Dacia EVs and plug-in hybrids have Fireman Access ports. And perhaps in the future, all EVs and hybrids will have such a system, because Renault wants nothing but a "thank you" and a crisp high five in return for other automakers using this patent. It might not be as impactful as the three-pointed seatbelt but anytime an automaker does something for the good of vehicle safety over profits, they get a double thumbs up from me. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()