EV Blanket vs Water or Foam Extinguisher — Which Works Best?

Understanding EV Fire Risks in Malaysia

As electric vehicles (EVs) grow in popularity across Malaysia, EV fire safety is becoming a key concern. While battery technology continues to improve, lithium-ion battery fires remain difficult to control. These fires burn hotter, release toxic fumes, and require different methods compared to traditional vehicle fires.

So when an EV catches fire — should you use water, foam, or an EV Blanket? Let’s find out which method works best.


1. EV Blanket — Malaysia’s Preferred First Response

An EV Blanket is a heavy-duty, high-temperature-resistant cover designed to smother burning EVs. It works by cutting off the oxygen supply, controlling flames, and reducing heat and smoke.

Advantages:

  • Blocks oxygen to contain the fire

  • Reduces heat and toxic smoke

  • Suitable for lithium-ion battery fires

  • Quick to deploy before firefighters arrive

Limitations:

  • Does not fully extinguish the fire — only contains and controls it

💡 Best Use:
Ideal for workshops, EV charging stations, and car parks as a first-response safety tool.


2. Water Extinguishing — High Risk for EV Fires

Water is effective for many types of fires but poses serious hazards for EV fires. Contact with high-voltage batteries can cause steam explosions or electric shock. Even when safely applied, cooling an EV battery may require thousands of liters of water to stop thermal runaway.

Extinguishing water supply: types and specifications

Use Only By:
Trained firefighting teams following EV fire response protocols.


3. Foam Extinguishers — Limited for Electric Vehicles

Foam extinguishers are excellent for fuel or oil fires but not ideal for EV battery fires. This is because EV fires start inside the battery cells, making it impossible for foam to reach and suppress the actual source.

HSE report calls for limit on the use of fire extinguishing foams that contain PFAS | IOSH magazine

Advantages:

  • Works for petrol or oil-based vehicle fires

  • Easy to handle for surface-level flames

Limitations:

  • Ineffective for lithium-ion battery fires

  • Only cools surface flames, not the internal fire


Conclusion: EV Blanket Is the Most Effective First Defense

Among all three, the EV Blanket stands out as the most effective early containment tool for EV fires. It prevents fire spread, reduces heat, and minimizes damage while giving firefighters crucial time to respond.

Water and foam extinguishers are still valuable — but only in the hands of trained professionals.


Safety Tip for Malaysian EV Facilities

If you operate an EV workshop, service center, or charging station, investing in an EV Blanket Malaysia is a smart, preventive measure.
It helps protect people, property, and vehicles — ensuring a safer environment for the growing EV community.

🔥 Enhance your EV fire safety strategy today.
Contact our team at 03-7831 4791 or email [email protected] for expert assistance.

aito.com.my

aito.com.my

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