Enhancing Global EV Battery Safety Through Innovative Training and Solutions
The automotive industry is currently witnessing a revolutionary shift, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). According to Clean Energy Canada, a prominent nonprofit organization, nearly 23% of new vehicle registrations in British Columbia were zero-emission vehicles in 2024, marking the highest rate in North America. As a result, over 153,000 EVs now crowd Canadian highways, which has led to a burgeoning demand for skilled EV technicians.
In response to this transformative trend, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has stepped up its efforts to train the next generation of automotive professionals. BCIT's School of Transportation is playing a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles. This commitment to safety and innovation has led to a partnership with Packaging And Crating Technologies (PACT), a manufacturer based in Connecticut renowned for its advanced battery safety solutions.
One of the standout innovations being utilized in BCIT's curriculum is PACT's patented Thermo Shield™ line, a fire-suppressant paper wrap designed specifically for lithium battery safety. Jim Berladyn, an Automotive Technologist Instructor at BCIT, stated, "The rise of electric vehicles on the road brings about new methods of service and repair that require advanced safety measures and specialized training. Our aim is to provide thorough education in these areas to ensure our students are fully prepared for the evolving industry."
Berladyn first discovered PACT's Thermo Shield™ during the National Battery Show in Novi, Michigan, in 2023, an event attended by around 100,000 engineering and industry leaders. His reaction to the innovative product was overwhelmingly positive, citing its hands-on display and impressive demonstrations showing how effectively it prevents and extinguishes lithium battery fires in mere seconds.
Invented in 2019, Thermo Shield™ is a thin, lightweight paper material coated with a proprietary ink. When a lithium battery enters a state of thermal runaway—a potentially catastrophic event—it triggers the ink to release a moisture barrier, forming a vapor cloud that immediately cools the internal contents of the package. This innovative mechanism halts the fire while simultaneously reducing oxygen availability around the package, preventing the temperature from soaring to lethal levels. PACT's products have undergone rigorous testing by various independent organizations and have earned endorsements from esteemed bodies such as the Commercial Relocation Network and the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials.
Taking protection a step further, PACT introduced the TR Sleeve™, which not only protects individual lithium battery cells but also mitigates thermal runaway between cells within EVs and renewable energy systems. Each cell is individually wrapped in Thermo Shield™ paper, ensuring safety without compromising battery performance. "TR Sleeve™ stands at the forefront of safety, sustainability, and efficiency in battery technology," remarked Rodger Mort, COO of PACT.
Berladyn emphasizes that the TR Sleeve™ will play a vital role in BCIT's Electric Vehicle Technology and Service course, designed to prepare future technicians to safely handle, diagnose, and repair high-voltage EV systems. Additionally, he anticipates incorporating PACT's upcoming product, the PACT Lion-X™ Fire Extinguisher, which aims to quickly extinguish lithium battery fires while releasing no harmful emissions.
This collaboration exemplifies BCIT's dedication to providing students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to create safer and more efficient electric vehicle systems. This is not merely an educational endeavor; it represents a concerted effort to shape a safer future for all road users. By integrating these innovative safety measures, BCIT is ensuring that its students not only learn the fundamentals of EV technology but also understand the importance of safety in their future careers.
For those interested in learning more about PACT's Thermo Shield™, further information can be obtained by visiting www.pactthermoshield.com. Meanwhile, BCIT continues its commitment to excellence in education, preparing a skilled workforce for the ever-evolving automotive industry.