MyZEVA Calls Brands, CPOs To Donate EV Fire Blankets To Fire Dept

EV fires have been a topic of significant discussion, particularly concerning the readiness level of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM). Lithium-ion battery fires are unlike regular vehicle fires, as they are extremely difficult to extinguish and can reignite even days after.

During the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024), the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA) organised a demonstration by JBPM to showcase the use of EV Fire Blankets to press and show-goers.

EV Fire Blankets have been identified as an effective method for containing EV fires and preventing them from spreading.

According to MyZEVA, the EV Fire Blanket demonstrated is made from Specially Treated High Temperature Fibreglass Cloth that operates at temperatures around 700°C and has a melting point of 1,600°C. The blanket weighs 39 kg, is 0.6 MM thick, and measures 6 metres x 8 metres, making it suitable for covering most EVs available on the market. It also comes with certifications such as EN13501-1 and NFPA 701.

Since JBPM is not yet fully equipped to handle EV fires, it is crucial to ensure that every strategically located fire station has a sufficient supply of EV Fire Blankets. Therefore, MyZEVA urges all EV importers, manufacturers, and charge point operators (CPOs) to support this initiative by donating EV Fire Blankets to nearby fire stations.

As MyZEVA continues to collaborate with JBPM to explore more effective solutions in line with the rapid advancements in the automotive industry, it also recommends all commercial buildings store at least two EV Fire Blankets in their main control rooms.

Additionally, MyZEVA suggests that all EVs sold in Malaysia to come with a special rescue diagram that help rescue teams navigate the complexity of an EV's electrical system during emergencies.

Through public demonstrations like this, MyZEVA hopes to boost public confidence in the safety of electric vehicles and the competence of the Malaysian rescue team.