Swedish extinguishing system lessens time to put out EV fires

Li-ion fires burn fiercely, Water jet cuts through casing

- Chris Rosamond

WATER jet tech from firm Cold Cut Systems could be deployed against the increasing threat of so-called thermal runaway blazes in electric vehicle batteries, following successful tests by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (SCCA).

The risk of fires in EVs, although small, is a big worry for fire services. Lithium-ion batteries burn fiercely, potentially producing 'jet flames' and venting highly toxic gases, such as hydrogen cyanide. A number of EVs burning in a confined space, such as an underground car park, could quickly become too hot for crews to access. It also takes a vast quantity of water to extinguish an EV fire safely - up to 150,000 litres. A fire in a combustion-engined vehicle is typically put out using less than 4,000 litres.