Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Become Unwanted in Apartments After Fire Incident

Following a recent fire incident involving an electric vehicle in an underground parking garage in Incheon

Following a recent fire incident involving an electric vehicle in an underground parking garage in Incheon, concerns about the safety of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in apartment complexes have intensified. Residents are increasingly opposing the installation of EV charging stations in underground areas and are calling for stricter safety measures. The lack of specific fire safety regulations for these facilities has prompted calls for regulatory changes.

A recent fire in an underground parking garage at an apartment complex in Incheon, involving an electric vehicle, has brought the safety of EV charging stations into sharp focus. The incident resulted in damage to approximately 140 vehicles and disruption of electricity and water supply, causing significant harm. As a result, there is growing concern among residents in apartment complexes nationwide about the safety of EV charging and parking facilities.

In a recent meeting of the residents' representative committee in an apartment complex in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, discussions were held about making it mandatory for electric vehicles to park on the ground level. However, some residents opposed the idea, arguing that owning an EV should not penalize them, and questioned why they should not be allowed to park in underground areas if they pay the same maintenance fees. Resident Kim stated, "I always feel uneasy about the EV charging station being located underground. I hope a clear solution will be provided."

Opinions against underground EV parking are being voiced across various communities. A resident in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, commented, "Electric vehicles cause significant damage in case of an accident, so they should be parked only on the ground level." Another resident in Daegu suggested, "Electric vehicles should be parked far from other cars, and parking spaces should be restructured." A resident in Sejong proposed, "Additional management fees should be charged to EV owners, and fire safety measures should be strictly enforced."

The problem lies in the lack of specific regulations regarding where EV charging facilities should be installed. According to the ‘Act on the Promotion of Development and Distribution of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles,’ new apartment complexes with more than 100 units must allocate at least 5% of parking spaces for eco-friendly vehicles, and existing buildings must allocate at least 2%. However, there are no concrete regulations specifying the location for these facilities, leading many complexes to install them underground for aesthetic reasons or as part of a ‘car-free’ design concept.

The Korea Fire Insurance Association advises that when installing EV charging facilities underground, it is crucial to include flood barriers and dedicated firewater tanks. However, this remains a recommendation rather than a requirement. The construction industry expresses concern that mandating such fire safety measures would increase construction costs.

Legislator Song Eon-seok (People Power Party) has introduced a bill to require fire safety facilities to be installed alongside EV charging stations, and Gyeongsangbuk-do has enacted a regulation to encourage the relocation of charging facilities to ground level. The effectiveness of these proposed measures and legislative changes will be closely watched.

The issue of EV charging station safety extends beyond technical challenges to fundamental concerns about resident safety. Existing guidelines and recommendations are insufficient, highlighting the need for more specific and effective safety regulations. It is crucial that upcoming policy changes and legislative actions translate into real safety improvements for residents.