SINGAPORE – The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has launched a car-size robot to deal with electric vehicle (EV) fires, as figures showing its popularity among car buyers continue to climb.
The vehicle extrication robot (VXR) will allow firefighters to move an affected EV, which is at risk of reigniting after a fire has been extinguished, to a safe spot as they continue their work.
Announcing the launch on Oct 28, Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann noted that EVs accounted for more than 60% of new vehicle registrations in Singapore in the first half of 2026.
Adding that their adoption will continue to grow, she said: “This introduces new challenges for firefighters.
“Lithium-ion batteries can undergo thermal runaway, and affected vehicles may remain at risk of reignition even after a fire has been extinguished.”
A thermal runaway occurs when an uncontrollable chain reaction causes intense heat to be released, which results in more materials being ignited.
Sim said the robot is being introduced as SCDF strengthens its EV response capabilities through research and burn tests to develop new fire safety regulations and operational procedures, supported by specialised equipment.
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