PARIS — In a sweeping move to enhance vehicle safety, Renault Group has announced it will make its Fireman Access patents freely available to the entire automotive industry. The decision, unveiled this week, will allow car manufacturers and parts suppliers to license the technology at no cost, with the condition that any improvements made will be shared with the broader community.
The Fireman Access system, developed in collaboration with fire services, represents a critical innovation in electric vehicle safety. Designed to address the unique challenges of battery fires, the technology enables firefighters to extinguish flames in a matter of minutes—rather than hours—by injecting water directly into a vehicle’s traction battery through a specially designed access point. The feature, now standard on all electric and plug-in hybrid models sold under Renault, Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize, dramatically reduces water usage and allows emergency services to respond more effectively to EV-related incidents.
“Innovating to improve road safety is part of who we are at Renault,” said Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group. “This partnership with fire services has demonstrated the power of collaboration, and now, by making Fireman Access freely available, we are breaking down barriers to ensure safety technology benefits everyone. Our commitment aligns with our work alongside the United Nations to make global mobility safer.”
The initiative is Renault’s first tangible step following its partnership with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt. As part of this commitment, Renault is participating in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, highlighting its longstanding efforts to improve vehicle safety worldwide. The company’s Moroccan subsidiary is leveraging the event to deepen partnerships with local authorities and expand road safety initiatives in schools.
Renault’s broader road safety strategy, encapsulated in its Human First program, focuses on prevention, protection, and post-crash response. The company has spent over five decades refining vehicle safety, backed by an extensive accident research database, collaborations with emergency services, and the integration of advanced technologies such as AI-powered driving assistance and connected safety features.
With a dedicated team of 600 engineers and technicians, Renault has amassed more than 2,000 safety-related patents since 1970. Its state-of-the-art research facilities in France continue to drive advancements in crash testing, electric propulsion validation, and driver assistance systems. The company has also trained over 5,000 firefighters across 19 countries in responding to EV fires, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that safety extends beyond the vehicles themselves.
By opening its Fireman Access patents, Renault is taking a bold step toward industry-wide cooperation in road safety. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the initiative underscores the urgency of equipping emergency responders with the tools needed to manage new safety challenges—while ensuring that innovation serves the greater good.