Extinguishing electric cars - Firefighting equipment system comparison

Comparison of electric vehicle extinguishing systems: How SnakE makes firefighting in electric vehicles easier ⚡🔥

As the number of electric vehicles increases, so does the challenge for fire departments to efficiently extinguish fires in these vehicles. High-voltage batteries pose a particularly significant threat, as they not only generate extremely high temperatures in a fire, but also pose a risk of re-ignition due to chain reactions in the battery cells.

This article compares proven extinguishing methods such as the water bath, battery fire extinguishing systems and the electric fire lance with the modular SnakE extinguishing system .

🚗 Comparison of extinguishing methods for electric vehicle fires

1. Water bath for extinguishing electric cars 💧

With this method, the electric vehicle is completely immersed in a water bath after the initial extinguishing to cool the battery and prevent re-ignition. The disadvantages are obvious:

• Logistical challenge: A container must be prepared and filled with thousands of liters of water, which represents a considerable burden for the emergency services, especially with large vehicles.
• Time-consuming and costly: The vehicle must remain in the water for up to 48 hours, and disposal of the contaminated water incurs additional costs.
• Environmental risk: Toxic substances from the batteries enter the water and require complex disposal.

2. Battery-powered fire extinguishing system from Rosenbauer 🔧

The Rosenbauer system is placed directly on the battery, where a mandrel is driven into the battery to pump water in a targeted manner. This method offers several advantages:

• Targeted cooling: With a water pressure of 10 bar and 40 liters per minute, the burning battery is effectively cooled.
• Remote control: The control unit is placed at a safe distance to protect emergency personnel.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• Difficult positioning: The fire extinguishing unit must be positioned precisely underneath the vehicle, which can be problematic in the case of tilted vehicles or tires that have already burst.

3. Electric fire extinguishing lance from Murer 🛠️

The electric extinguishing lance is another system in which a mandrel is driven directly into the battery to fill it with extinguishing agent. This method offers the advantage of flexible application, even when the vehicle is tilted. However, disadvantages include:

• High precision work: Manual handling requires a high degree of precision, which can be difficult in stressful operational situations.
• Dangerous proximity: The lance is struck in close proximity to the burning vehicle, which increases the risk for the emergency services.

4. Car fire blanket 🔥

The car fire blanket is placed over the burning vehicle to contain the spread of fire and smoke. This method is useful for controlling fires, but it has significant limitations:

• Only a temporary solution: The blanket prevents the fire from spreading, but does not extinguish the cause of the fire in the battery.

SnakE: The innovative modular extinguishing system for electric vehicles

Compared to the systems mentioned above, the SnakE system stands out because it was specifically developed for the challenges of electric vehicle fires. It offers key advantages:

1. Modular and flexible 🐍
   SnakE consists of flexible, modular units that are positioned specifically beneath the vehicle to directly cool the underbody and battery. This ensures that even hard-to-reach areas are efficiently reached. Conventional systems such as water baths often cannot be used in all relevant areas, and the application possibilities are limited, especially in underground car parks. SnakE can be used flexibly under a variety of conditions.

2. Fast and secure ⏱️
   Thanks to the precise positioning of the SnakE underbody cooling system, the extinguishing process can be completed significantly faster. The modular design ensures that emergency personnel can operate from a safe distance, minimizing the risk of personal injury. Other systems, such as the Murer fire extinguishing lance, require significant manual labor near the burning vehicle, increasing the risk.

3. Retrofittable and versatile 🔄
   SnakE can be easily integrated into existing firefighting vehicles, making it a cost-effective solution for fire departments looking to expand their equipment without making large new investments. The system's versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of scenarios, from urban fires to wildfires.

4. Recommended by professional associations 🛡️

Conclusion: SnakE as a future-oriented solution for electric vehicle fires

While conventional extinguishing methods such as water baths or electric fire lances continue to have their place, the SnakE system offers considerable relief. It not only provides faster firefighting but also increases safety for emergency responders.

Take advantage of SnakE now
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Contact us today and let us show you how the SnakE system takes your fire department to the next level