PARIS: Renault says it will make its patented "Fireman Access" system available free of charge to the entire automotive sector.
The innovation can now be licensed through an open collaborative platform at www.renault/universalpatent.com, with participants required to share any improvements with the community.
Developed in close collaboration with fire services, Fireman Access is designed for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, enabling fire and rescue teams to extinguish battery fires in just a few minutes — a stark improvement over the several hours normally required and with significantly less water usage.
Technically, the system uses an adhesive disc that seals an opening in the traction battery casing during normal operation; in the event of a fire, a powerful jet from a fire hose dislodges the disc, allowing water to quickly quench the battery cells and halt thermal runaway.
Seven patents have been filed for the system, which is now standard on all electric and plug-in hybrid models sold by Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize worldwide.
The move forms part of Renault Group’s broader commitment to road safety, a key element of its sustainable development strategy encapsulated in the Human First programme.
The programme follows a comprehensive approach centred on preventing, correcting, protecting and rescuing, and is supported by over 600 engineers and technicians who have contributed to more than 2,000 safety-related patents since 1970.
Renault operates three state-of-the-art technical centres in France — at Lardy, Aubevoye and the Technocentre — where expertise in crash testing, electric propulsion development and advanced driving simulation is consolidated.
The initiative builds on a 15-year partnership with fire services, during which over 5,000 firefighters in 19 countries across Europe, North Africa and Latin America have been trained in using the technology.
In addition, Renault is actively participating in global road safety discussions, including the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, which runs until tomorrow.
At the national level, initiatives such as those led by Renault Group Morocco are reinforcing collaborations between the manufacturer and local services while promoting road safety awareness in schools.
