Assessment of recent UK fire safety guidance for covered car parks and electric vehicles

Abstract

Guidance issued by organisations such as fire and rescue services, insurers and governmental bodies across the UK for the fire safety design of covered car parks is changing in response to the projected rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) use. This new guidance is impacting the provision of parking bays, particularly in residential and mixed-use buildings. This paper considers whether EVs in covered car parks pose a greater fire risk than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) using recent data on the ignition frequency and the burning characteristics of EVs. The recommended mitigating fire safety measures within the new guidance are assessed with a focus on detection, smoke ventilation, sprinkler systems and structural performance as these have the potential to have the greatest impact on a building fire safety design. The paper indicates that the recommendations may not align with available evidence which challenges a balanced approach to fire safety requirements to prevent over-specification that could affect the feasibility of building designs. This paper summarises recent fire safety guidance in the UK on the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in covered car parks. Factors that contribute to the risk posed by EVs are investigated and practical design values for heat release and fire growth are suggested. Key recommended fire safety measures proposed in the guidance have been assessed against existing evidence. The findings are useful to stakeholders involved in the design of covered car parks to allow a balanced approach to their fire safety requirements.