Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that electric cars catch fire due to a problem with the battery or the charging cable or pole. In parking garages, this can lead to dangerous and difficult to control situations. The Physical Safety Institute therefore, together with the national fire brigade, draws up a number of recommendations for public parking garages.
It sometimes happens that an electric car catches fire on its own. That will not happen quickly, but due to a production error, an unforeseen peak overrun or defective charging installations, for example, an EV can turn into an enormous fire. Extinguishing an electric car takes much more time and effort because of the chemicals present and the batteries sunk deep into the car than for a car with a combustion engine. In a parking garage, things can go wrong. A long-lasting fire in such a small space is extra dangerous.
The Physical Safety Institute is particularly concerned about cars with a lithium-ion battery. In the event of a fire, many toxic and highly flammable substances are released. Because according to the IFV it is still difficult to estimate how great the risk of such a fire is, parking garages are advised to anticipate this potential danger.
Advice
According to the IFV, the charging points and parking places intended for EVs should be placed as close as possible to the entrance and exit of the garage. In addition, it is advisable to place them near drainage channels. The charging points must be installed by recognized electrical engineering companies and must be well protected against potential collisions. It is also recommended to place a central emergency button, with which all charging installations are switched off in one fell swoop. The IVF indicates that it is conducting further research into the risks, but now wants to make these recommendations known.