New Energy Vehicle Firefighting: Evolving Strategies for a Safer Future
As the global automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift toward electrification, the rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) has brought with it a new set of challenges—particularly in emergency response and firefighting. With China leading the charge in NEV adoption, the need for advanced, specialized firefighting strategies has become increasingly urgent. According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, NEV production and sales in the first quarter of 2024 reached 2.115 million and 2.09 million units respectively, marking year-on-year growth of 28.2% and 31.8%. The market share of NEVs has now climbed to 31.1%, signaling a pivotal moment in the country’s transportation evolution.
However, this rapid growth comes with a hidden risk: the unique fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, NEVs rely on high-voltage battery systems that, when compromised, can lead to thermal runaway—a self-sustaining chain reaction that results in intense, difficult-to-extinguish fires. These fires not only pose a serious threat to vehicle occupants but also present unprecedented challenges for firefighters on the ground.
Wang Chunlin, a senior firefighter with the Pujiang Fire and Rescue Brigade in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, has been at the forefront of researching and developing new strategies to address these emerging threats. In a recent publication in Today’s Firefighting, Wang outlines a comprehensive approach to enhancing firefighting techniques for NEV-related incidents, emphasizing the need for technological innovation, specialized training, and systemic coordination.
The core of the challenge lies in the nature of lithium-ion batteries. These power sources, typically located beneath the vehicle chassis or behind rear seats, are engineered for high energy density. While this enables longer driving ranges and improved performance, it also increases the risk of catastrophic failure under certain conditions. Short circuits, physical collisions, manufacturing defects, or even improper charging can trigger thermal runaway. Once initiated, the reaction generates extreme heat—up to 916°C—and releases flammable, toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide. Even after the visible flames are extinguished, the internal cells may continue to overheat, leading to a high risk of re-ignition.
This complexity fundamentally alters the firefighting paradigm. Traditional methods, which often rely on rapid suppression using water or foam, are insufficient for NEV fires. The high-voltage systems—ranging from 200 to 750 volts—introduce the danger of electric shock, making direct intervention hazardous. Moreover, the structural design of modern NEVs, which often incorporates lightweight composite materials and hidden door handles, complicates access and rescue operations.
Wang’s research highlights five key strategies to address these challenges, each aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of emergency responses.
1. Advancing Intelligent Fire Detection and Response Systems
One of the most critical advancements in NEV safety is the integration of intelligent fire detection and alarm systems. While some manufacturers have begun incorporating thermal sensors and early warning mechanisms, not all vehicles are equipped with such technology. In particular, vehicles in a parked or powered-off state may lack continuous monitoring, creating blind spots in fire prevention.
Wang emphasizes the importance of real-time monitoring platforms that can detect abnormal temperature rises, voltage fluctuations, or gas emissions within the battery pack. When such anomalies are detected, the system should automatically trigger a series of safety protocols: cutting off the high-voltage circuit, activating ventilation to disperse toxic gases, and sending an emergency alert to both the driver and local emergency services.
This vision is already taking shape through initiatives like the China Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Index, jointly developed by the China Merchants Testing Vehicle Technology Research Institute and the National Engineering Research Center for Electric Vehicles at Beijing Institute of Technology. Launched in January 2024, the index evaluates vehicles based on fire safety alerts, emergency response capabilities, fire protection measures, and data connectivity. By establishing standardized benchmarks, this framework not only holds manufacturers accountable but also provides firefighters with crucial pre-incident data.
Equally important is the integration of NEV monitoring systems with municipal fire dispatch networks. Currently, many fire departments receive no automated alerts when a vehicle fire occurs. By establishing a seamless data link between vehicle telematics and emergency response centers, firefighters can be dispatched with real-time information about the vehicle’s location, battery status, and potential hazards—enabling faster, more informed interventions.
2. Deploying Specialized Firefighting Equipment and AI-Driven Tools
The second pillar of Wang’s strategy focuses on equipping fire departments with the tools necessary to combat NEV fires effectively. Standard firefighting gear, designed for hydrocarbon-based fires, is often inadequate for lithium-ion battery incidents. The intense heat, electrical hazards, and risk of re-ignition demand a new class of equipment.
High-pressure fine water mist systems have shown particular promise. Unlike conventional water hoses, which may not penetrate deep into battery modules, fine water mist operates at pressures up to 6 MPa, creating a fine aerosol that envelops the fire and cools the battery cells more efficiently. Studies have demonstrated that this method can reduce surface temperatures from over 500°C to safe levels within minutes, significantly lowering the likelihood of thermal propagation.
In addition to water-based systems, fire departments are increasingly turning to alternative extinguishing agents. While clean agents like Novec 1230 offer high efficiency and low environmental impact, their high cost limits widespread adoption. As a result, water remains the most practical option, especially when enhanced with additives that improve thermal absorption and electrical insulation.
Beyond extinguishing agents, specialized tools are essential. Insulated cutting equipment, battery isolation mats, and electrical detection devices allow firefighters to safely disconnect power sources and stabilize the vehicle. Battery cooling containers—large, insulated units designed to submerge damaged battery packs in water—are also being deployed in some regions to prevent re-ignition during transport.
Perhaps the most transformative development is the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in firefighting. In the 2024 “Emergency Mission” joint exercise, robotic dogs and drones were deployed to conduct reconnaissance in high-risk environments. Equipped with thermal imaging, gas sensors, and communication relays, these machines entered burning vehicles and relayed real-time data to command centers. This not only reduced the exposure of human responders but also provided critical intelligence on fire behavior and structural integrity.
Wang notes that such technologies are not futuristic concepts but operational necessities. As NEV fires become more frequent, the reliance on human bravery alone is no longer sustainable. Instead, a hybrid model—where human expertise is augmented by AI-driven tools—will define the future of firefighting.
3. Strengthening Professional Training for Firefighters
Even the most advanced equipment is ineffective without skilled operators. Wang stresses that firefighter training must evolve in parallel with technological advancements. While China’s national fire and rescue force has grown to 220,000 personnel across 9,657 stations, many lack specific training in NEV emergency response.
Comprehensive training programs should include both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Firefighters must understand the electrical architecture of NEVs, including the location of high-voltage cables, battery disconnect points, and emergency shutdown procedures. They should also be trained in the use of diagnostic tools to assess battery health and identify potential hazards before attempting rescue operations.
Regular simulation drills are essential. These exercises should replicate real-world scenarios—such as a vehicle crash on a highway or a fire in an underground parking garage—allowing crews to practice coordination, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Special emphasis should be placed on psychological resilience, as the unpredictability of NEV fires can increase stress and cognitive load during emergencies.
Training should also extend to the use of new technologies. Firefighters must be proficient in operating drones, robotic units, and digital command systems. Just as pilots undergo simulator training, firefighters should have access to virtual reality platforms that simulate NEV fire scenarios, enabling repeated practice without risk.
4. Fostering International Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
No single country has all the answers when it comes to NEV firefighting. Wang advocates for greater international cooperation, emphasizing that lessons learned in one region can benefit others. Countries like Norway, Germany, and South Korea—where NEV adoption rates are high—have already developed specialized protocols and equipment that could inform Chinese practices.
Joint research initiatives, cross-border training programs, and shared data platforms can accelerate innovation. For example, European fire services have pioneered the use of thermal imaging drones for post-fire monitoring, while U.S. agencies have developed standardized checklists for NEV incident response. By integrating these best practices, China can avoid duplicating efforts and instead build on existing knowledge.
Moreover, international collaboration enhances China’s soft power. By sharing its own advancements—such as the Fire Safety Index or AI-assisted response models—China can position itself as a leader in global fire safety innovation. This not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also ensures that safety standards evolve in a coordinated, globally harmonized manner.
5. Empowering Drivers as First Responders
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of NEV fire safety is the role of the driver. Wang argues that vehicle owners should be viewed not just as users, but as active participants in emergency response. Through targeted education and training, drivers can become the first line of defense in preventing and mitigating fires.
Manufacturer-led safety programs should include modules on battery maintenance, charging best practices, and early warning signs—such as unusual odors, dashboard alerts, or performance drops. Drivers should know how to safely disconnect the high-voltage system and evacuate the vehicle quickly. In some cases, early intervention—such as moving the vehicle to a safe area or using a fire extinguisher—can prevent a minor incident from escalating.
Beyond individual preparedness, drivers can be integrated into broader community safety networks. Volunteer fire brigades, neighborhood watch programs, and public awareness campaigns can turn NEV owners into advocates for fire safety. By encouraging drivers to share knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues, the impact of training can be amplified across communities.
Wang envisions a “5-minute community fire response” model, where trained individuals can initiate containment measures before professional help arrives. This decentralized approach, combined with centralized emergency systems, creates a resilient, multi-layered defense against NEV fires.
The Road Ahead
As the number of NEVs on the road continues to grow, so too must the capabilities of those tasked with protecting lives and property. The strategies outlined by Wang Chunlin represent a holistic, forward-looking approach—one that balances technological innovation with human expertise, national efforts with global cooperation, and professional response with public engagement.
The transition to electric mobility is not just about cleaner energy; it is about redefining safety in the 21st century. Firefighting, once a discipline rooted in physical courage and brute force, is now becoming a high-tech, data-driven field. Sensors, algorithms, robots, and smart networks are no longer supplementary tools—they are central to the mission.
In this new era, the success of emergency response will depend not on reacting faster, but on anticipating smarter. By investing in intelligent monitoring, specialized equipment, professional training, international collaboration, and public education, China—and the world—can ensure that the rise of new energy vehicles is matched by a parallel rise in fire safety.
The journey is ongoing, but the direction is clear: safer roads, smarter responses, and stronger communities.
Wang Chunlin, Pujiang Fire and Rescue Brigade, Chengdu, Sichuan, Today’s Firefighting, DOI: 10.12276/j.issn.2096-1227.2024.09.046