Renault Group is pulling a Volvo move by offering its patented Fireman Access system to the entire industry for free. The innovative technology, designed in collaboration with fire services, allows first responders to extinguish electric vehicle (EV) battery fires in mere minutes—drastically reducing response times and water usage compared to conventional methods.
The Fireman Access system functions through a specialized adhesive disc covering an access point in the vehicle’s traction battery casing. In the event of a fire, a fire hose jet can remove the disc and flood the cells with water, effectively halting the thermal runaway that makes EV battery fires notoriously difficult to control. Renault’s decision to offer this patent at no cost aligns with its long-standing commitment to road safety and collaboration with the United Nations.
“This is about breaking down barriers for safety,” said Renault CEO Luca de Meo. “By making Fireman Access freely available, we’re prioritizing people’s lives over proprietary gains.”
By opening up this life-saving technology to competitors, Renault is channeling the spirit of Volvo’s legendary safety-first philosophy—a move that could redefine industry standards in EV safety. It will become a game-changing feature that other brands should consider adopting for their EVs.
Volvo’s Legendary 1959 Patent Move
Renault’s decision to share its Fireman Access patent for free mirrors a famous precedent set by Volvo in 1959. When Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point seatbelt—a feature that has since saved millions of lives—the Swedish automaker chose not to patent the technology for profit. Instead, Volvo opened it up for free use, believing that safety innovations should benefit all drivers, regardless of brand loyalty.
This philosophy of prioritizing human lives over corporate gain is rare in the highly competitive automotive industry, where patents are often leveraged for market dominance. By taking a similar approach, Renault is making a statement: safety is not a competitive edge but a shared responsibility. This move could encourage other manufacturers to adopt and enhance Fireman Access technology, leading to better emergency response times and increased safety for EV passengers worldwide.
