Full Circle Lithium's FCL-X Milestone in EV Fire Suppression
Total Circle Lithium Corp. (FCL), a U.S.-based developer of lithium-ion firefighting agents, recently announced a significant milestone with its proprietary fire suppression product, FCL-X™.
It demonstrated the rapid and complete extinguishing capabilities of FCL-X™ by putting out two controlled EV fires without reignition, proving its groundbreaking effectiveness in lithium-ion battery fire management.
Demonstration of FCL-X™ in controlled EV fire burns
To showcase FCL-X™'s capability, FCL, in collaboration with AEST Fire & Safety (AEST), organised a controlled burn test involving two EV models: a Nissan Leaf and a Kia EV9. The demonstration took place in Georgia, US, with the assistance of local firefighters from Jefferson, Troup and Harris Counties.
The FCL-X Pro™ concentrate, designed to work effectively in various fire engine tank capacities, was used for the demonstration. Available in two-pail boxes, each pail can mix with 250 gallons of water, which aligns well with fire engines' typical capacity, which ranges from 250 to over 1,000 gallons.
Technical details of FCL-X™ in action
The first controlled burn test was conducted on a 2014 Nissan Leaf with a 40-kWh battery charged to 50%. Firefighters ignited the vehicle from underneath, waiting until the car was fully engulfed in flames and the battery reached thermal runaway before deploying FCL-X™.
Using a low-flow 30-gpm pressure hose, the team successfully contained the fire in under five minutes using less than 250 gallons of FCL-X™, which protected much of the vehicle's interior.
The second test involved a Kia EV9 with a 77-kWh battery charged to 95%. Firefighters ignited the battery by puncturing it from the back seat, again waiting until the fire was fully developed before attacking it.
The fire required around 350 gallons of FCL-X™ and the team controlled it in under six minutes, reducing temperatures from a high of 1,200°F to a safe 120–150°F.
"FCL-X™, a proprietary product under patent application, is the first and only product in the world that we are aware of to extinguish lithium-ion battery fires truly."
Comparative advantage of FCL-X™
The results of FCL-X™ in controlled burns represent a vast improvement over current methods.
According to the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services, extinguishing an EV fire with conventional methods can require up to 40,000 gallons of water, sometimes taking more than 100,000 gallons and lasting four to eight hours. Additionally, untreated lithium-ion fires pose a risk of reignition, often smouldering for hours.
Carlos Vicens, CEO and Director of FCL expressed enthusiasm about FCL-X™'s potential to transform EV fire safety, stating:
"The FCL-X™ fire suppression agent has repeatedly demonstrated that it is uniquely effective in safely extinguishing and mitigating the risks associated with dangerous lithium-ion battery fires."
"We look forward to having this product in the hands of first responders."
Operational updates and future outlook
In addition to focusing on FCL-X™, Full Circle Lithium is adjusting operations to meet new priorities. The company recently reported that operations at its Nahunta plant have resumed following minimal disruptions due to Hurricane Helene.
Full Circle Lithium is at the forefront of lithium-ion battery fire management solutions.
The company's FCL-X™ product, under PCT patent application, represents a crucial advancement for industries reliant on lithium-ion technology, particularly in light of the rising prevalence of EVs and associated fire risks. By addressing these challenges, Full Circle Lithium aims to safeguard lives and property while paving the way for safer lithium-ion battery use.
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