Renault shares EV fire suppression technology with the world's carmakers
The Renault Group has created a fire suppression system for electric cars that significantly reduces the time and water required to put out fires - and is sharing it with the world.
The French manufacturer's Fireman Access system, installed in all of its current electric and plug-in hybrid models, is designed to allow EV fires to be extinguished in approximately the same time as a fuel-powered combustion engine.
The development is deemed so significant for road safety that Renault is now offering the technology to other brands so they can install it in their electric or hybrid cars.
Other car manufacturers and parts suppliers can now obtain a free licence for this new EV innovation through Renault’s ‘open collaborative platform’.
Part of the agreement states that any licenses that are issued will mean that any upgrades made by other companies have to be made available to all members of the community.
As a partner of the United Nation’s Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Renault has stated that this is part of its commitment to road safety for drivers all over the world.
Renault Group's Fireman Access system adhesive disk
How does Fireman Access work?
An adhesive disc is placed over an opening in the vehicle’s traction battery casing, sealing it during normal operation.
Should the vehicle start smoking and catch fire – and the flames reach the car battery – then the forceful water jet from a fire hose dislodges the disc, allowing water to rapidly douse the cells.
According to Renault, this process can extinguish a battery fire in just minutes, compared to several hours. It can also use significantly less water than needed with previous EV fires.
Every Renault Group's electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle now comes with Fireman Access. This includes Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize.
- RAC Drive – Renault car reviews
- Engine smoking – why it happens and what to do
- What are the benefits of electric cars?
Luca de Meo, CEO Renault Group, commented: “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.
“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.”
What to do in the event of a car fire?
In the event of a car fire, the RAC urges you to follow these steps to stay safe.
Of course, if you are in immediate danger, always prioritise your (and your passengers) safety, and never put yourself at unnecessary risk during a car fire.
Pull over safely
As soon as you notice a fire or smoke coming from the engine, pull over to a safe location away from traffic, buildings, or other vehicles. In urgent cases, pull over immediately and evacuate the area.
Turn off the car engine
Shut off the engine immediately, as this will stop fuelling the fire, and will likely give you more time to get to a safer distance before the fire potentially escalates.
Evacuate the vehicle
Get out of the car as quickly and safely as possible, and make sure all passengers are out too. Ensure you are at a safe distance from the vehicle before taking anymore steps. If you have a chance, put your hazard warning lights on and open the bonnet before leaving the vehicle.
Call the emergency services
Dial emergency services on 999 to report the fire. A fire engine (and potentially police and an ambulance) should arrive as soon as possible. If you have left your mobile phone in the car, leave it there and ask another person or local shop to call.
Do not return to the vehicle for any reason
Car fires are very serious and should be left to the professionals to deal with. However, if it is a small fire, and you are confident in dealing with it, then use a fire extinguisher (if you have one). If it doesn’t have the desired effect, then follow the previous steps.

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like

2030 ban – is it worth buying an electric car now?
A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been brought forward. The decision has made questions about buying an EV more urgent than ever before.

Charging your electric vehicle in Europe
Are you taking your electric car or EV on a European road trip? Find out everything you need to know with the RAC Drive guide to charging in Europe.

EV battery guide: what are electric car batteries made of?
Batteries are hidden from view, but they are one of the largest and most important components of any electric car. Learn more about them here on RAC Drive.

Electric car charger types, connectors and speeds – a visual guide
Electric vehicle chargers are classed as rapid, ultra-rapid, fast and slow. This guide explains what the different EV plug types mean and what they look like.

Electric car charging at home - how to install a car charging point
An estimated 80% of electric car charging takes place at home. Here’s everything you need to know about charging your electric vehicle (EV) at home.

Electric car charging etiquette – the dos and don’ts of EV charging
Charging an EV away from home takes longer and requires more forward-planning than filling up a conventional car. Learn more here with RAC Drive.

Electric car charging – how it works and how much it costs
Filling up with fuel is easy, charging an electric car/vehicle, however, seems a bit more complicated. Read our simple, explain-all guide on RAC Drive.

Electric car charging prices at public chargers
RAC Charge Watch is the RAC's initiative that monitors the average cost of charging an electric car so that you get a fair price. Read more about it here.

Electric vehicle range – how far can I drive in an EV?
Nobody wants to be left stranded in an EV with no charge, but is ‘range anxiety’ actually a legitimate concern for the average driver? Read more here today.

Electric car road tax guide – how much will you have to pay in 2025?
All you need to know about road tax VED for EVs. From road tax costs for electric cars to the new rules, this is your complete guide to EV car tax.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10