Measures in place to mitigate EV fire risks

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

We refer to Mr Yeo Eng Huat’s letter (“Are building codes up to scratch to deal with EV fires in carparks?”, 28 August 2024). 

Fire incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for about 0.7% of vehicle fires in Singapore over the past three years. International studies have shown thus far that the rate of fire occurrence for EVs is much lower than the rates for internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

With the projected increase in EVs in Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have been collaborating closely with other agencies and stakeholders to manage EV-related matters such as fire risks. In 2023, a dedicated multi-agency EV Safety Taskforce co-chaired by LTA and SCDF was established. Beyond ensuring that EVs meet globally recognised safety standards such as the United Nations Regulations, EV charging systems must also comply with Singapore’s national charging standard - Technical Reference 25 (TR25). The TR25 has undergone regular reviews to keep it abreast of the latest developments in EV charging technology.

Carparks in Singapore are designed to the Fire Code, which requires the fire to be contained within the carpark for a stipulated minimum duration, before the arrival of firefighters. For example, they are built with fire-rated walls and doors to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. Ventilation, through either natural or mechanical means, is provided for to disperse smoke, heat and gases emitted during a fire. For enclosed basement carparks, sprinklers are also required. These fire safety systems have to undergo regular maintenance and inspection.

In March 2022, the SCDF mandated a requirement to provide at least one emergency main isolation shut-off switch within 15 metres of an EV charging station. This switch cuts off the supply to the EV charging station and the EV being charged in the event of a fire.

We thank Mr Yeo for his feedback, and assure him and the public that the EV Safety Taskforce will continue to regularly review the safety requirements.

Mark Tan 
Group Director, Technology and Industry Development 
Land Transport Authority 

Er. Tan Chun Yong 
Group Director, Building Engineering Group 
Building and Construction Authority 

Ryan Ong (Assistant Commissioner) 
Director  
Fire Safety Department 
Singapore Civil Defence Force