Abstract In this paper, we systematically address the unique challenges posed by electric vehicle (EV) fire accidents, focusing on the development of emergency treatment technologies, equipment, and a comprehensive response system. By analyzing the characteristics of EV fires—such as high thermal runaway risks and hazardous gas emissions—we propose innovative solutions for feature recognition, rapid extinguishing, safe isolation, and rescue operations. We also discuss the design principles and performance evaluation of specialized equipment, along with the establishment of emergency response plans and rescue team frameworks. Our research aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of EV fire emergency responses, providing both theoretical insights and practical guidelines for future developments in this critical field.
Keywords: electric vehicle fire; emergency response technology; emergency treatment equipment; emergency response system; thermal runaway; lithium-ion battery
1. Introduction
The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly transformed the automotive industry, but it has also brought new challenges in fire safety. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs rely on high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to thermal runaway—a self-sustaining reaction leading to intense fires and toxic gas emissions. Statistical data from EV fire cases reveal that 31% of fires are caused by charging incidents, while 35% result from collisions . These fires exhibit unique characteristics, such as prolonged combustion, high temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, and the release of harmful substances like carbon monoxide and carcinogenic organic compounds , making them far more complex to handle than conventional vehicle fires.
Effective emergency treatment of EV fires requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced sensing technologies, specialized firefighting equipment, and well-coordinated rescue protocols. In this study, we present a holistic framework for EV fire emergency management, covering technical solutions, equipment design, and system integration. By addressing the gaps in current response strategies, our goal is to minimize casualties, property damage, and environmental impact during EV fire incidents.
2. Current Status of EV Fire Emergency Treatment
2.1 International Research and Practices
Countries like the United States, European nations, and Japan have made substantial progress in EV fire emergency technologies:
| Region | Key Research Entities/Standards | Major Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| United States | National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | Developed NFPA 70 standards requiring power source isolation and specialized PPE (e.g., insulated gloves, fire-resistant suits) to prevent electrocution and burns . |
| Europe | RISE Research Institute (Sweden) | Conducted experiments on gas emissions during EV fires, identifying CO and carcinogenic compounds; recommended 14-day isolation for damaged batteries before inspection . |
| Japan | Automotive industry collaborations | Developed dedicated equipment like battery cooling systems and insulating mats to address unique fire risks . |
2.2 Domestic Research and Practices in China
In China, government agencies and research institutions have prioritized EV fire safety:
- Policies: The New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan mandates enhanced risk screening and emergency response capabilities for EVs.
- Experimental Studies:
- Zhu et al. (2023) compared fire suppression efficiency between water mist and compressed air foam, concluding that foam systems are more effective in extinguishing EV fires, especially during the initial stage when battery packs 喷射 flames up to 2.6 meters .
- Zhang et al. (2020) conducted full-scale fire tests and found that temperatures near the battery pack exceed 600°C within 3 minutes of thermal runaway, with internal temperatures potentially surpassing 1,000°C. Toxic gases like CO rapidly accumulate in the cabin if smoke barriers are compromised .
These studies highlight the critical need for specialized technologies and equipment tailored to EV fire dynamics.
3. Key Emergency Treatment Technologies for EV Fires
3.1 Feature Recognition and Early Warning Technology
3.1.1 Multi-Sensor Fusion for Fire Detection
EV fires exhibit distinct parameters that differentiate them from traditional fires. We propose a feature recognition model integrating real-time data from multiple sensors:\(\text{FireState} = F(T_b, V_b, I_b, S, H_R)\) Where:
- \(T_b\): Battery temperature (threshold: >60°C for thermal anomaly)
- \(V_b\): Battery voltage (abnormal drop >20% indicates potential short circuit)
- \(I_b\): Battery current (unusual spikes suggest thermal runaway onset)
- S: Smoke concentration (ppm)
- \(H_R\): Heat release rate (kW/m²)
This model uses machine learning algorithms to classify fire stages (e.g., pre-ignition, thermal runaway, steady combustion) and predict fire progression based on historical data .
3.1.2 AI-Driven Early Warning System
By training a neural network on historical EV fire data, we develop a predictive algorithm to estimate fire probability (\(P_f\)) and severity (\(S_v\)):\(P_f = \sigma\left(\sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i x_i + b\right)\)\(S_v = \text{ReLU}(W \cdot \text{Features} + b)\) Where \(\sigma\) is the sigmoid function for probability output, and \(\text{ReLU}\) is the rectified linear unit for severity classification. This system enables real-time risk assessment and triggers alerts via cloud-connected platforms, allowing proactive deployment of emergency resources.
3.2 Rapid Extinguishing and Control Technology
3.2.1 Advanced Water Mist Fire Suppression
Traditional firefighting methods are often ineffective for EV fires due to high heat retention in battery packs. We optimize water mist parameters to enhance cooling efficiency:
- Flow rate (Q): 5–10 L/min (higher flow improves heat absorption)
- Pressure (P): 10–20 MPa (fine droplet formation for better penetration)
- Droplet size (d): <100 μm (smaller droplets increase surface area for vaporization)
The 灭火效率 (E) can be modeled as:\(E = k \cdot \frac{Q \cdot P}{d}\) where k is a constant dependent on fuel type and environmental conditions. Field tests show that optimized water mist reduces fire suppression time by 30% compared to conventional sprinklers .
3.2.2 Robotized Firefighting Systems
To address the dangers of close-range operations, we develop remotely controlled firefighting robots equipped with:
- Thermal imaging cameras for 火源定位 (fire source localization)
- High-pressure water mist nozzles
- LiDAR sensors for obstacle navigation
Collaborative operations with drones enable real-time 3D mapping of fire scenes, improving response precision and reducing human exposure to hazards .
3.3 Safe Isolation and Rescue Technology
3.3.1 High-Voltage Circuit Isolation
EV fires pose significant electrocution risks due to intact high-voltage systems. We design a dual-mode isolation system:
- Mechanical Isolation: Rapid-deployment high-voltage circuit breakers with response times <100 ms.
- Intelligent Isolation: Sensor-driven systems that automatically cut power supply when abnormal current or temperature thresholds are exceeded:\(\text{IsolationTrigger} = \begin{cases} \text{True}, & \text{if } V > V_{\text{critical}} \text{ or } T > T_{\text{critical}} \\ \text{False}, & \text{otherwise} \end{cases}\)
3.3.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Rescuers
Rescuers face dual threats from high voltages and toxic gases. We develop PPE with:
- Insulated materials: Resistance >10⁶ Ω to prevent electric shock
- Gas-tight seals: Filtration efficiency >99.9% for particles and organic vapors
- Thermal barriers: Layered designs with ceramic fibers to withstand temperatures >800°C
4. Design and Evaluation of Emergency Treatment Equipment
4.1 Design Principles
EV fire equipment must adhere to the following criteria:
| Principle | Technical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Safety & Reliability | – Insulation resistance: ≥10 MΩ – Explosion-proof certification (e.g., ATEX, IECEx) |
| Operability & Portability | – Deployment time: <5 minutes – Weight: <50 kg per unit – Compact storage design |
| Economy & Sustainability | – Lifecycle cost: <¥500,000 – Recyclable materials; ≤5% hazardous waste generation |
4.2 Performance Evaluation Framework
We establish a three-tier evaluation system for EV fire equipment:
4.2.1 Functional Metrics
| Equipment Type | Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | Test Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire suppression systems | Extinguishing time; cooling rate (°C/min) | 1,000°C heat source; simulated battery fire |
| High-voltage isolators | Isolation speed (ms); withstand voltage (kV) | 1,500 V DC; 50 Hz AC test circuits |
| PPE | Thermal resistance (°C); gas penetration rate (ppm/min) | 800°C radiant heat; 1,000 ppm CO environment |
4.2.2 Usability Metrics
- Reliability: Mean time between failures (MTBF) >1,000 hours
- Operational Efficiency: Learning curve <1 hour for trained personnel
- Mobility: Transportable via standard fire trucks (dimensions ≤2m × 1.5m × 1m)
4.2.3 Field Simulation Tests
Through full-scale EV fire drills, we validate equipment performance under realistic conditions. For example, water mist systems reduced fire intensity from 10 MW to 2 MW within 5 minutes, while high-voltage isolators achieved safe power 切断 (power cutoff) in 80 ms, meeting critical response time targets .
5. Construction of Emergency Response Systems
5.1 Development of Emergency Response Plans
A robust EV fire response plan must integrate multiple stakeholders and define clear protocols:
| Plan Component | Responsible Entity | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Early Warning | EV manufacturers/charging stations | Monitor real-time battery data; trigger alarms via national emergency networks |
| On-Site Response | Fire departments | Deploy specialized equipment; establish safety perimeters; coordinate with EV technical teams |
| Hazardous Material Handling | Environmental agencies | Collect and treat runoff water; manage battery waste according to regulations |
| Post-Incident Recovery | Insurance companies/EV brands | Conduct root cause analysis; provide technical support for fire-damaged vehicles |
The plan must be revised annually and tested through simulated exercises, with at least one full-scale drill per quarter involving all relevant agencies .
5.2 Establishment of Emergency Rescue Teams
5.2.1 Team Composition
- Core Members:
- Firefighters with EV-specific training
- Electrical engineers for high-voltage system management
- Paramedics trained in toxic exposure treatment
- Supporting Roles:
- EV manufacturer technicians for battery system expertise
- Environmental scientists for hazard mitigation
5.2.2 Training and Equipment Provision
- Curriculum:
- EV fire dynamics and thermal runaway mechanisms
- Hands-on training with specialized equipment (e.g., high-voltage isolators, robotic extinguishers)
- Simulation-based drills for multi-team coordination
- Equipment Inventory:CategoryExamplesQuantity per TeamFire suppressionCompressed air foam systems, water mist cannons2–3 unitsHigh-voltage safetyInsulated tools, portable circuit breakers4–5 setsPPEFull-body fire suits, gas masks10–15 kitsMonitoringThermal cameras, gas detectors2–3 units
5.2.3 Performance Evaluation
Teams are assessed annually based on:
- Response time (<30 minutes for urban areas)
- Success rate in simulated fire suppression scenarios (target: ≥90%)
- Compliance with safety protocols during operations
6. Conclusion
This study presents a comprehensive framework for managing electric vehicle fire emergencies, integrating advanced technologies, specialized equipment, and well-structured response systems. Key findings include:
- EV fires require multi-sensor detection and AI-driven early warning systems to address their unique thermal and electrical hazards.
- Specialized equipment, such as optimized water mist systems and robotic firefighters, significantly improves suppression efficiency compared to traditional methods.
- A collaborative emergency response system—incorporating clear protocols, trained personnel, and interagency coordination—is essential for minimizing losses during EV fire incidents.
Looking ahead, future research should focus on:
- Developing autonomous fire suppression drones with adaptive pathfinding algorithms.
- Enhancing the durability and scalability of high-voltage isolation technologies.
- Standardizing international EV fire response protocols to facilitate cross-border emergency cooperation.
By continuously refining these technologies and systems, we can ensure safer EV adoption and strengthen global preparedness for emerging fire safety challenges.