Renault’s ‘Fireman Access’ available to global automotive industry with free licence

Renault Group says it’s making its “Fireman Access” system available to the global automotive industry as part of a free licencing policy.

The EV safety system was developed as part of a partnership with fire services, the patented innovation allowing fire and rescue services to extinguish a battery fire in an EV in a few minutes.

In this way, Renault Group says it is demonstrating its commitment to improving road safety for people globally, as a partner of the United Nation’s Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety (Jean Todt).Car manufacturers and parts suppliers can now obtain a free licence for this innovation through the open collaborative platform at www.renault/universalpatent.com.

In return, as part of this collaborative principle, licensees agree that any upgrades will be made available to other members of the community, says Renault.

“Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault,” says Renault Group chief executive Luca de Meo.

“We’re particularly proud of the partnership developed with the fire services in recent years,” he says.

“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.

“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,” says de Meo

“This move is also in keeping with the commitment made alongside the United Nations, to make mobility safer, all over the world.”

Fireman Access is an innovation allowing emergency services to put out a fire on an EV in about the same time as on a combustion vehicle, says Renault.

An adhesive disc is placed over an opening in the casing of the vehicle’s traction battery, effectively sealing it for normal use.

If the vehicle catches fire and the flames spread to the battery, a powerful jet from the fire hose dislodges the disc and drenches the cells in water – the only fast and effective way of stopping thermal runaway, Renault says.

“In this way, a battery fire can be extinguished in just a few minutes, compared with several hours and 10 times as much water without this feature.

“Fireman Access thereby enables firefighters to return to operational readiness more quickly.

“Seven patents have been filed for this system, which is now fitted on all the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold by Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize worldwide.”

Renault Group is also  participating in the fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, until February. 20, 2025.