“Padtex Insulation” Shares Its Expertise at the Gulf Region’s First Seminar on Electric Vehicle Safety in Kuwait

The Latvian company “Padtex Insulation” participated in a seminar held at the Kuwait Fire Force headquarters as an industry expert and manufacturer, sharing its experience regarding fire safety risks associated with electric vehicles and other micromobility devices. It is particularly significant that the initiative came from Kuwait’s fire safety authorities, bringing the issue of electric vehicle fire safety and the exchange of knowledge to the forefront at the institutional level. This was the first seminar in the Arabian Gulf region dedicated specifically to electric vehicle safety. At the seminar, “Padtex Insulation” presented a fire safety solution developed in Latvia for containing electric vehicle fires, which, according to the company, is already in use in several countries around the world.

In the event of a fire involving electric cars or scooters, one of the biggest challenges is posed by lithium-ion batteries—once a thermal runaway reaction begins in them, it is difficult to stop, which is why the most appropriate response and safety solutions are currently being sought worldwide. Although electric vehicle fires are not an everyday occurrence, in the event of thermal runaway in a lithium-ion battery, it is impossible to extinguish the flames using traditional methods. Cooling the battery, moving the vehicle, and preventing reignition may require specific tactics and equipment. An innovation developed by “Padtex Insulation”—a protective cover—helps contain the spread of flames, toxic smoke, and heat, while giving firefighters time to cool the battery and carry out other rescue operations.

To discuss this very issue, a seminar titled “Global Trends in Securing Electric Vehicle Safety” was held on August 4 at the Kuwait Fire Force's headquarters. The event took place under the patronage of His Excellency Major General Talal Mohammed Al-Roumi, Commander of the Kuwait Fire Force, bringing together firefighters, engineers, representatives from the automotive industry and insurance companies, as well as owners of shopping centers and other infrastructure facilities. The seminar highlighted a proactive approach to a new fire safety topic that, with the development of electromobility, is becoming increasingly relevant in a broader regional context.

“Kuwait is showing today what it means to be ready for the future, rather than reacting to it after the fact. Under the patronage of Major General Talal Mohammed Al-Roumi, Padtex Insulation was honoured to be part of the preparedness and response discussions.  These happened at the Kuwait Fire Force HQ, and in partnership with Kuwait Fire Protection Association, event supporters Raja General Trading and BYD, whose car model was used for a live demonstration and case discussions, safely conducted without an actual fire,” says Andre Schwiontek, Chairman of the Board and co-owner of “Padtex Insulation.”

“Padtex Insulation’s” participation in the event, which was proactively initiated by fire safety authorities, underscores the company’s commitment to addressing fire safety issues related to electric vehicles and micromobility on an international level. As a manufacturer and industry expert, the company shared practical experience regarding the application of fire safety solutions in a professional setting. In developing its exports and building long-term partnerships and collaborations in foreign markets, “Padtex Insulation” has also utilized the support provided by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), including participation in trade missions and international conferences.

“Participating in a seminar of this caliber is a significant step in a region where, with the growing number of electric cars and scooters, education about risks and preparedness to manage them is becoming increasingly important. It is encouraging that such discussion takes place at the institutional level so that challenges associated with EV safety can be better addressed for the benefit of societies and more sustainable future," says Elīna Skudra, Padtex Insulation’s representative in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Fire safety for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries is a relatively new field globally, and in many parts of the world, emergency response guidelines, training programs, and the necessary infrastructure are still being developed. As the number of electric cars and scooters grows, this issue is becoming a priority not only for firefighters but also for managers of parking lots, shopping centers, ports, airports, logistics companies, and other large infrastructure facilities.

A fire-resistant cover for electric vehicles is part of the solution. Its main purpose is to quickly isolate a vehicle that has caught fire and limit the spread of flames to nearby vehicles, buildings, and other infrastructure. This is particularly important in enclosed and densely built-up areas.

According to information provided by the company, the “Padtex Insulation” electric vehicle fire-resistant cover has been tested at temperatures of at least 1,000°C and complies with the requirements of DIN SPEC 91489: 2024-11, which specifies the properties, durability criteria, and testing methods for specialized coating materials. The company notes that testing and certifying fire-resistant products in accordance with internationally recognized requirements is one of the fundamental principles of product development, ensuring quality and reliability. The covering must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the specific facility’s emergency response plan, and under the supervision of trained specialists.

The company’s fire safety solutions are primarily intended for professional use—by firefighters, emergency response services, parking lot and charging infrastructure operators, airports, ports, and shipping and logistics companies. They can also be used preventively, for example, in logistics centers when storing batteries or moving a damaged electric vehicle or other electrical equipment whose technical condition poses an increased risk of ignition.

The company is also developing smaller covers for lithium batteries, electric forklifts, and everyday electrical devices. Meanwhile, the latest solution from “Padtex Insulation” is a portable system that allows the fire-resistant cover to be quickly deployed over larger vehicles—such as minibuses and commercial vehicles.

As electromobility continues to grow, the fire safety industry must also adapt to new challenges. The exchange of experience and knowledge initiated by Kuwait’s fire safety authorities is a significant contribution toward a safer and better-prepared future for electric mobility in the region.

“Padtex Insulation” was founded in 2003 in Valmiera and specializes in the development and manufacture of technical thermal insulation and fire safety solutions. The company’s products are used in the energy, automotive, maritime, and construction sectors. The company currently has three production facilities in Latvia and one in Germany. In October 2025, “Padtex Insulation” also invested in the U.S. production facility “McAllister Mills.” Approximately 95% of its production is exported to more than 30 countries. According to publicly available information, the company’s revenue reached 11.39 million euros in 2025, an increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. The number of employees in Latvia also continued to grow—from 125 in 2024 to 145 in 2025.