Electric Vehicles Increase Fire Risks in Parking Garages
Netherlands, Monday, 13 January 2025.
The Dutch Institute for Public Safety warns that the rising number of electric vehicles in parking garages heightens fire risks, necessitating urgent infrastructure updates.
Rising Incident Numbers
Recent data from the Dutch Institute for Public Safety (NIPV) shows a significant increase in electric vehicle-related fires, with incidents rising from 58 in 2021 to 201 in 2024 [1]. According to Nils Rosmuller, lecturer in energy and transport safety at NIPV, the current parking garage infrastructure will become inadequate when electric vehicles constitute 50% of the vehicle fleet in the coming decade [1].
Statistical Safety Context
Despite these concerns, statistical evidence from multiple European countries suggests that electric vehicles are actually less prone to fires than conventional vehicles. In Norway, between 2016 and 2022, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for only 2.3% of vehicle fires while representing 8.9% of the total vehicle fleet [2]. Similar supporting data has been collected in Germany, Sweden, and Australia [2].
Unique Challenges in Fire Management
The primary concern isn’t the frequency of fires but rather their nature and the challenges they present in confined spaces. When electric vehicle fires occur in parking garages, firefighters face significant difficulties accessing the source of the fire, and harmful substances are often released [1]. Professor Rob Nijsse from TU Delft characterizes the current parking garage fire safety situation as ‘a major problem’ [1].
Future Safety Solutions
While the NIPV hasn’t yet issued specific guidelines for parking garage construction accommodating electric vehicles [1], technological advances in battery safety are emerging. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries currently offer the highest thermal stability, with future technologies like solid-state and sodium-ion batteries promising even greater safety features [2]. Some facilities have already implemented interim measures, such as requiring electric vehicles to park near entrances or exits [1].