Toronto, Nov. 5, 2024 – Full Circle Lithium Corp. (“FCL” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in lithium-ion firefighting agents, has successfully demonstrated its cutting-edge fire suppression product, FCL-X™, during a controlled trial. This groundbreaking event showcased the product’s effectiveness in extinguishing two electric vehicle (EV) fires swiftly and safely without reignition. The demonstration was conducted in front of more than 50 U.S. firefighters and industry experts, marking a significant achievement for FCL’s proprietary technology.
Milestone Demonstration of FCL-X™
The trial, held in Georgia, was orchestrated by AEST Fire & Safety, FCL-X™’s U.S. distributor, with support from expert regional firefighters from Jefferson, Troup, and Harris Counties. The demonstration involved two controlled burns of EVs—a 2014 Nissan Leaf and a Kia EV9—both of which were brought to full thermal runaway before being extinguished using the concentrated FCL-X Pro™ agent.
In the first test, a fully operational Nissan Leaf with a 40-kWh battery at 50% charge was set ablaze using a blow torch from underneath. The fire was tackled with an extinguisher followed by a 30-gallon per minute (gpm) hose. Unlike typical firefighting approaches that use larger 125 gpm hoses, the fire was controlled in under five minutes using less than 250 gallons of FCL-X™. Remarkably, the vehicle’s interior sustained minimal damage due to the rapid suppression of flames outside the battery.
The second demonstration featured a Kia EV9 with a 77-kWh battery at 95% charge. The fire was ignited by puncturing the battery, resulting in a full-scale blaze. Using a 30-gpm high-pressure hose, firefighters controlled the fire within six minutes, using approximately 350 gallons of FCL-X™. The agent quickly reduced the temperature from a peak of 1,200°F to about 120–150°F.
Industry Impact and Technical Validation
These results stand in stark contrast to conventional methods, which can require tens of thousands of gallons of water and several hours to extinguish EV fires, often leaving them prone to reignition. The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services reports that current methods may require up to 40,000 gallons of water for similar scenarios. FCL’s demonstrations highlight FCL-X™’s potential to revolutionize EV fire response.
David Laviner, Founder and President of AEST, praised the innovation, noting, “FCL-X™ is the only product known to effectively extinguish lithium-ion battery fires of all sizes. This technology fills a long-standing gap in fire safety, where no reliable solution previously existed, costing lives and property. This partnership with FCL positions us to make a meaningful impact.”
Carlos Vicens, CEO of FCL, emphasized the broader implications: “The FCL-X™ agent has consistently shown its ability to mitigate the risks of lithium-ion fires. We are committed to getting this critical safety solution into the hands of first responders and others who need it.”
Technical Advantages and Market Potential
The FCL-X Pro™ concentrate comes in a two-pail box format, each pail mixing with 250 gallons of water, ideal for fire engines with capacities from 250 to over 1,000 gallons. The demonstrations affirm FCL-X™ as a reliable and efficient tool for combating dangerous battery fires in a safer and faster manner than existing techniques.
Operational Update
FCL reported that its Nahunta plant has resumed normal operations following minimal disruptions due to Hurricane Helene and Milton. The company has also shifted its focus entirely toward the development and commercialization of FCL-X™, ceasing recycling and processing activities due to market challenges.
Management Changes
FCL announced the departure of Thomas Currin, former Chief Operating Officer and President of the U.S. subsidiary, and William Bourcier, former Chief Technical Officer. The company extended best wishes for their future endeavors.
Company Overview
Full Circle Lithium Corp. is dedicated to innovative fire safety solutions for lithium-ion battery incidents. The company’s flagship product, FCL-X™, is protected under a pending patent application. Further information can be found on FCL’s website and its profile on SEDAR.
Cautionary Note
This release includes forward-looking statements subject to various risks and uncertainties. These include technical, regulatory, and market challenges that could impact the company’s ability to commercialize FCL-X™. For detailed risk factors, please consult FCL’s public filings.
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