As electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles become more common in South Africa, dealerships and workshops face new safety challenges. In this article, sponsored by Bright Focus, we look at complete scenario surrounding the damaged high-voltage battery packs can present and the solution.
Serious risks can follow collisions, incorrect lifting procedures or repairs carried out too close to electrical components. In some cases, damage may only become apparent hours or days later.
Warning signs include unusual heat, hissing, popping sounds or smoke. These could indicate thermal runaway, a chain reaction in which battery cells release intense heat and flammable gases. Temperatures can exceed 900°C, while conventional extinguishers may have little effect on the battery itself.
For dealerships where vehicles are parked close together, the consequences can extend beyond a single vehicle.
Fire Cloak: contain the risk before it spreads
Fire Cloak is a purpose-designed EV fire limitation blanket intended to help prevent vehicle fires, including lithium-ion battery fires, from spreading.
Unlike conventional extinguishers, the blanket covers the entire vehicle and restricts oxygen available to external flames, helping limit fire development and protect surrounding vehicles and property.
It does not extinguish thermal runaway inside the battery. Instead, it helps contain the consequences while emergency responders manage the incident.
It can also be used preventively on vehicles suspected of battery damage or abnormal temperatures, provided conditions are safe and personnel are appropriately trained.
Thermal imaging can assist in identifying unusual surface temperatures, although it cannot rule out concealed battery damage.
Designed for rapid deployment:
Fire Cloak is designed for deployment by two trained people, with reinforced handles and centre markings to assist positioning.
Its compliance testing includes a requirement to demonstrate deployment within 30 seconds under specified conditions.
However, speed must never compromise safety. Personnel should withdraw and contact emergency services if a vehicle shows signs of battery failure and conditions become unsafe. Deployment over an already burning vehicle is reserved for trained fire and rescue personnel.
Independently tested. Trusted by Formula E.
Fire Cloak is independently tested and certified to DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11, covering thermal resistance, mechanical strength, deployment and product performance.
During a live EV fire demonstration at HORIBA MIRA in the UK, the blanket was deployed over a Nissan Leaf experiencing advanced thermal runaway. The manufacturer reports that the measured fire temperature dropped from more than 900°C to 47°C in under ten minutes.
It has also undergone furnace testing at 1 000°C for 90 minutes, with additional manufacturer-stated thermal resistance of up to 1 600°C.
Made from specially modified, heat-resistant glass-fibre fabric, the standard passenger-vehicle blanket measures 8 × 6 metres and weighs approximately 28 kg, including its storage bag. It is manufactured without PFAS.
Blankets used preventively without fire exposure may be reused following inspection, provided they remain undamaged.
Trusted at the highest level of electric motorsport:
Fire Cloak™ has again been selected to supply EV fire limitation blankets across the Formula E grid for the 2026 season.
The demanding motorsport environment, with high-voltage batteries and teams working in close proximity, makes fire containment an important safety consideration.
The same technology is available to South African dealerships, service centres and workshops.
Why traditional fire protection isn't enough:
Lithium-ion battery fires differ from conventional petrol and diesel vehicle fires. During thermal runaway, heat generated inside one battery cell can trigger failures in neighbouring cells. The process can continue after external flames have been suppressed, and damaged batteries may reignite hours or days later.
Battery packs are enclosed beneath vehicles, making affected cells difficult to reach. Fires can also release flammable gases and hazardous substances, including hydrogen fluoride.
Managing these incidents can require specialist procedures, considerable resources and prolonged monitoring.
Fire Cloak is intended to complement, not replace, conventional extinguishers, fire detection systems and emergency services.
Potential applications at dealerships include accident-damaged vehicles awaiting assessment, EVs undergoing repairs, charging areas and stock parked close together.
What would your insurer expect?
Dealerships should consider whether their existing insurance arrangements and fire-risk assessments adequately address lithium-ion battery hazards.
Having conventional extinguishers, detection systems and a valid fire certificate does not necessarily mean a facility has a specific response plan for an overheating or damaged battery.
Some insurers are already paying closer attention. One leading South African supercar dealership recently equipped its facility with Fire Cloak™ following a requirement from its insurer.
Dealership management should therefore consider what measures are in place should an insurer ask how an EV battery fire would be managed.
Three questions every Dealer Principal should ask:
Before the next damaged EV or plug-in hybrid arrives, management should consider three questions:
If the answers are uncertain, it may be time to review the dealership's preparedness.
EV fire preparedness starts before an emergency:
Bright Focus is the Southern African distributor of Fire Cloak, supplying EV fire limitation blankets alongside EV workshop safety, testing and diagnostic equipment.
The company assists automotive businesses with fire containment solutions, product training and equipment for EV service bays.
Is your dealership prepared for an EV battery fire?
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