WNAM REPORT: The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that it will implement stricter safety regulations for underground parking lots in response to rising public concerns about electric vehicle (EV) fires.
Citing excessive charging as a major cause of these incidents, the city government will recommend that only EVs charged to less than 90 percent be permitted entry into apartment building parking lots.
According to the National Fire Agency, there have been 187 EV fire cases in Seoul alone from 2018 to June of this year.
The number of EV fires nationwide has increased every year, rising from 24 cases in 2021 to 43 in 2022 and 72 in 2023, coinciding with the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
Last year, parking lots were the most common sites for these incidents, accounting for 27 of the 72 reported cases.
Fires occurring while vehicles were parked reached 21, making it the second highest category after those occurring while driving, which totaled 34. Additionally, 13 fires were reported during charging.
These fires have been attributed to various factors, including external shocks and battery defects. Excessive charging is frequently cited as one of the primary causes.
Accordingly, the city government believes limiting charging levels is a significant step in preventing such incidents.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that it will implement stricter safety regulations for underground parking lots in response to rising public concerns about electric vehicle (EV) fires.
Citing excessive charging as a major cause of these incidents, the city government will recommend that only EVs charged to less than 90 percent be permitted entry into apartment building parking lots.
According to the National Fire Agency, there have been 187 EV fire cases in Seoul alone from 2018 to June of this year.
The number of EV fires nationwide has increased every year, rising from 24 cases in 2021 to 43 in 2022 and 72 in 2023, coinciding with the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
Last year, parking lots were the most common sites for these incidents, accounting for 27 of the 72 reported cases.
Fires occurring while vehicles were parked reached 21, making it the second highest category after those occurring while driving, which totaled 34. Additionally, 13 fires were reported during charging.
These fires have been attributed to various factors, including external shocks and battery defects. Excessive charging is frequently cited as one of the primary causes.
Accordingly, the city government believes limiting charging levels is a significant step in preventing such incidents.
