Innovation Said to Make EVs Safer
Renault offers technology it patented to auto industry for far faster fire control.
The remedy involves an adhesive disc placed over an opening in an EV’s battery to seal it for normal use. A fire hose can dislodge the disc to flood the battery cells to prevent what’s known as a thermal runaway, or rapid heating that can result in explosion.
Renault
Renault Group says it’s solved one of the big safety challenges of electric vehicles and is offering the remedy to the auto industry for free.
The French automaker introduced what it's called the Fireman Access technology that it says makes EV fires extinguishable in just minutes instead of a sometimes hours-long process that requires additional safety measures for the vehicles.
Renault said it’s offering the patented technology through free licensing to any industry entity. It developed the technology in collaboration with firefighting agency representatives.
The automaker said the remedy involves placing an adhesive disc over an opening in an EV’s battery to seal it for normal use. A fire hose jet can dislodge the disc and flood the battery cells to prevent what’s known as a thermal runaway, or rapid heating that can result in fore or explosion.
“In this way, a battery fire can be extinguished in just a few minutes, compared with several hours and ten times as much water without this feature,” Renault said in a press release about the innovation.
The automaker said it’s filed seven patents for the Fireman Access system, which it now includes as standard on its lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid models.
More Industry
Connection Drives Consideration
Convenience and safety are top priorities for American drivers when it comes to connected vehicles and the services they expect with their next car.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put
Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.
Read More →
EV Buyer Consideration Shifts
What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'
Read More →
Auto Nameplate Loyalty Holds in Tough Times
Consumers have been faithful to brands despite financial pressures, and JD Power says that’s because automakers have made some wise moves.
Read More →
Top New Jersey RV Store Sells
Myer’s RV Superstore is expanding its footprint in the state with two new locations that it acquired from Ed Hutchinson Jr.
Read More →
Alliance Analyzes Technician Pipeline
A new industry report examines the state of skilled trades in the U.S. and details the drivers of demand for automotive repair and how technicians enter and grow in the workforce.
Read More →
Luxury Rooftop Changes Hands
Genesis of Glenview is getting a new owner and a new location, but its name will stay the same.
Read More →
Future-Proof Your Business
A new industry outlook details several ways that automotive companies can use the rise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to their advantage.
Read More →
Dealership Buy-Sells Keep Going Up
First-half transactions reflect continued high appetite for acquisitions despite falling profits, the most sought-after franchises bringing record prices.
Read More →
California Makes Electric Moves
New laws in the Golden State aim to advance consumer access to public electric-vehicle chargers and reduce costs and barriers to its infrastructure.
Read More →