As the world leans more into electric vehicles (EVs), safety has become a hot topic, especially when it comes to the batteries powering these innovative machines. Hyundai Glovis, the shipping arm of South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group, has decided to tackle this challenge head-on. With a commitment to keeping EV transport safe, the company recently announced a groundbreaking fire suppression device designed specifically for extinguishing EV battery fires on its car-carrier ships.
The Growing Concern: Fires on the High Seas
In recent years, the number of EV fires has sparked worry among manufacturers, transporters, and consumers alike. Incidents of spontaneous battery fires have occurred, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and raising questions about the safety of these advanced vehicles. With car-carrying vessels often housing thousands of cars parked tightly together, a single fire could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Hyundai Glovis recognized the urgent need for a solution. “We needed to act to ensure the safety of our operations and the vehicles we transport,” said a company spokesperson. This determination led to the development of a novel approach to fire safety at sea.
Hyundai Glovis fighting fire
IHyundai Glovis’s innovative answer to the fire risk posed by electric vehicle batteries. Imagine this: a fire breaks out in one of the vehicles on a ship. Instead of panicking, the crew springs into action with the EV Drill Lance. This unique tool drills through the underside of the affected vehicle, allowing the crew to access the battery directly. Once in position, the device sprays water, effectively dousing the flames.
The beauty of the EV Drill Lance lies in its design. It draws water from the ship’s fire hydrants and channels it through a hose to power a turbine that drives the drill. This dual-functionality not only helps extinguish fires quickly but also limits the risk of spreading flames to nearby vehicles. It’s a game-changer in ensuring the safety of both crew and cargo.
Hyundai Glovis isn’t stopping at just a prototype; they plan to implement the EV Drill Lance across their fleet. Initially, the devices will be installed on the 32 car carriers the company owns outright. They planned to expand their availability to chartered vessels as well. By the end of 2023, Hyundai Glovis operated over 90 car carriers around the globe, highlighting the significant impact this initiative could have on safety in the EV transport industry.
What to expect?
With the introduction of the EV Drill Lance, Hyundai Glovis is taking a proactive approach to addressing the inherent risks of transporting electric vehicles. Their commitment to safety showcases a forward-thinking mindset, recognizing that as EVs become more popular, the need for robust safety measures must keep pace.
