►Renault offers Fireman Access EV safety tech
► System helps firefighters control battery fires faster
► A big step for EV safety industry-wide
Renault Group is making its Fireman Access system available to the entire automotive industry, offering it under a free licensing policy.
Developed in partnership with fire services, this safety feature allows emergency responders to extinguish EV battery fires in minutes rather than hours — marking a significant step in improving electric vehicle safety.
How fireman access works
The system is said to be designed to combat thermal runaway in EV batteries. A specially designed adhesive disc is placed over an access point on the battery casing.
In the event of a fire, a high-pressure water jet can break through this disc and directly douse the battery cells, cutting firefighting time and water usage. Without this technology, EV battery fires can take several hours and vast amounts of water to control.
A specially designed adhesive disc is placed over an access point on the battery casing
The system, now standard on all Renault Group electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles — including models from Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize — has already been patented under seven different filings.
By making Fireman Access freely available to all manufacturers and suppliers, Renault aims to set a new standard for EV safety. As part of this open-licensing model, companies that adopt the system are encouraged to share any improvements they develop, fostering industry-wide collaboration on vehicle safety.
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 when manufacturers and emergency services work together. Safety should have no barriers, and we are proud to make this technology freely available to help protect people worldwide.’
The move to share Fireman Access aligns with Renault’s broader efforts in road safety and EV development. The company has invested heavily in accident prevention technologies, crash safety research, and partnerships with emergency services.