EV fire training academy launches in Hampshire

A new training academy has been launched in Hampshire to equip UK Fire & Rescue Services with the skills needed to tackle the growing risks associated with electric vehicle (EV) fires.

The Cobra Electric Vehicle Training Academy is the result of a partnership between Silverlake Automotive Recycling and Cold Cut Systems UK. Based at Silverlake’s site between Southampton and Portsmouth, the facility will deliver science-based training to support operational safety and capability across the fire and rescue sector.

Launched on 27 November 2025, the academy welcomed over 20 representatives from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, other UK fire and rescue organisations, the Environment Agency, and aviation senior management. Attendees received both theoretical and practical instruction on the Cold Cut Cobra system, an award-winning high-pressure cutting extinguisher developed to interrupt fire propagation in EV battery packs.

Martin Orman, Managing Director at Cold Cut Systems UK, said: “We have partnered with Silverlake to launch the Electric Vehicle Training Academy because of their expertise in vehicle construction and their world class facilities. This initiative enables fire services to benchmark Cobra against other tactics and embed its use effectively.”

The Cobra system has been validated through live testing and is already deployed in more than 40 countries. It offers a safer, more efficient way to manage lithium-ion battery fires, allowing crews to cool batteries internally with minimal water usage and reduced environmental impact.

Rob Cole, Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Operations at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Lithium-ion battery incidents are a clear and growing challenge. This academy offers an opportunity to explore evolving tactics and deepen our understanding of the risks. Collaboration like this is vital to ensure firefighter and public safety.”

Silverlake Managing Director Allen Prebble added: “We are proud to support this initiative. Our ongoing collaboration with Hampshire and IOW Fire & Rescue Service, including simulated collision training, made this a natural next step. We look forward to welcoming more fire services for training in 2026.”.