The special chemical solution developed through a 3-year R&D process in Konya can extinguish lithium battery fires in electric vehicles within seconds. The solution, which stops the fire's reaction without the need for 80 tons of water, has successfully passed firefighting tests.

A company operating in Konya developed a special fire extinguishing solution after a 3-year research and development process to effectively respond to electric vehicle fires. The studies conducted in the laboratories of Sakarya University have resulted in a new solution capable of quickly bringing battery fires in electric vehicles under control.

It was stated that the extinguishers using the chemical solution developed by a team of 10 composed of chemical, industrial, and mechanical engineers can extinguish lithium battery-related fires much more quickly and at a lower intervention cost.

Ferhat Bozkurt, the team leader of the project and an industrial engineer, reminded that approximately 80 tons of water are used in fires involving electric vehicles and said, “This situation highlights the urgent need for a solution. The most striking feature of the fire extinguishing agent we developed is its ability to reduce flaming lithium batteries from 1000 degrees to 50 degrees in a short time. We completely cut off the fire’s reaction. This capability is currently a rare feature in the world.”

Bozkurt stated that the product is still being tested by fire departments in Istanbul and Ankara, and that field trials will begin with fire departments in Europe, the United States, and China following positive results. He also emphasized that academics at Sakarya University's fire laboratories are actively participating in the process.

Bozkurt also pointed out that the solution is not only for intervention but also has preventive features, noting that some electric vehicle manufacturers have begun working on coating batteries with this substance to prevent potential fires before they start.

The product is expected to be available soon through companies selling firefighting equipment. This domestic solution, emerging from university-industry collaboration, is considered an important step toward the safety of electric vehicles.


Source: Anadolu Agency