Hyundai Motor and Kia have formed a partnership with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry associations to develop advanced firefighting technologies aimed at improving the safety of electric vehicles in the event of fires. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Mar. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor and Kia have formed a partnership with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry associations to develop advanced firefighting technologies aimed at improving the safety of electric vehicles in the event of fires.
On March 18, the automakers signed a joint agreement with the National Fire Agency Research Institute, the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers, and five universities, including Chung-Ang University and Hanyang University, to collaborate on “Fire Response Technologies for Electric Vehicles.”
The initiative was established to improve the rapid detection and response capabilities related to fires involving electric cars. The participating entities will cooperate on fundamental research, field application technologies, and the study of potential regulatory frameworks.
Under the fundamental research division, the participating universities will investigate the unique characteristics of electric vehicles. Gachon University, Chung-Ang University, and the Fire Research Institute will examine the behavior patterns of electric vehicle fires, while Hanyang University will focus on fire propagation. Seoul National University of Science and Technology will gather data on smoke extraction and ventilation systems for underground electric vehicle fires.
The field application technology division aims to develop firefighting techniques suitable for practical implementation. Key objectives include developing water supply systems for underground parking garages and fire suppression equipment for charging stations.
The Fire Research Institute will explore methods to recognize fire patterns through video analysis for characterizing fires. Hongik University and others will create virtual reality training content to help firefighters swiftly detect and respond to electric vehicle fires.
The regulatory framework research division, led by the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers, will study trends in electric vehicle firefighting technologies and potential regulatory measures.
Hyundai Motor Group will oversee the overall project management and provide necessary equipment, vehicles, and components to ensure the research yields practical and effective results.
“We will ensure that the firefighting technologies that are developed do not remain mere technical achievements but pave the way for their integration into fire and building codes,” said Yang Hee-won, president of research and development at Hyundai and Kia.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
