BC Tech School Trains EV Mechanics With New Fire Safety Tech

Electric vehicles are taking over Canadian roads, and one tech school is making sure mechanics know how to keep them safe.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology now includes specialized fire-suppressant materials in all its EV training courses. Students learning to repair electric vehicles will practice with Thermo Shield, a paper wrap that can stop lithium battery fires before they become deadly.

The numbers tell the story. Over 153,000 electric vehicles now drive on Canadian highways, and British Columbia led all of North America in 2024 with 23% of new vehicle registrations being zero-emission. That's a lot of batteries that need servicing.

"With the rise of electric vehicles on the road comes new methods of service and repair that require advanced safety measures," said Jim Berladyn, an automotive instructor at BCIT. He discovered the Connecticut-made safety product at a 2023 battery expo in Michigan.

Here's what makes Thermo Shield remarkable. When a lithium battery overheats and catches fire, special ink on the lightweight paper releases a moisture barrier that cools the battery immediately. It also limits oxygen around the package, preventing temperatures from reaching 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, the point where lethal gases form.

The material has passed rigorous testing by independent American and Canadian organizations. The U.S. Department of Defense counts it among their preferred products.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership goes beyond just one school. BCIT trains automotive professionals across North America, meaning thousands of future mechanics will learn these safety protocols. As electric vehicles become the norm rather than the exception, this knowledge spreads through repair shops from Vancouver to Toronto and beyond.

The school also uses TR Sleeve, a similar product that prevents fire from spreading between battery cells. Students in the Electric Vehicle Technology and Service course learn to diagnose and repair high-voltage systems on most EV brands safely.

The timing couldn't be better. Clean Energy Canada reports that demand for skilled EV technicians is skyrocketing as more drivers make the switch from gas-powered cars. These trained mechanics will be ready to keep Canada's growing electric fleet running safely for years to come.