South Korea Mandates Ground-Level EV Charging Stations in Public Buildings to Reduce Fire Risks

DAEJEON, Oct. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant move to boost electric vehicle safety, South Korea’s Public Procurement Service (PPS) announced on October 22 comprehensive measures to improve fire safety management and emergency response capabilities for public EV charging facilities. 

The new guidelines require all future public buildings to have EV charging stations installed at ground level rather than in underground parking facilities.

The decision comes in response to concerns about smoke and heat ventilation challenges in enclosed underground spaces during potential EV fires. 

“We’re taking proactive steps to address public anxiety about EV charging facility fires in the public sector,” said Lim Ki-keun, head of the PPS.

“We will continue to strengthen our safety management capabilities to respond quickly to various disasters and protect citizens’ lives.” 

In cases where ground-level installation is impossible, charging stations must be placed on the first basement level near entrances and exits to facilitate outdoor access and smoke ventilation.

Building designs will be modified accordingly, including adjustments to internal access routes and fire suppression equipment placement. 

The new regulations also mandate enhanced fire safety features, including wet sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and automatic fire detection equipment above charging stations.

Following the government’s EV Fire Safety Management Measures announced on September 6, the PPS is rapidly implementing safety management solutions for public sector EV charging facilities. 

Key safety enhancements include mandatory disclosure of battery specifications for electric vehicles and electric carts in product documentation.

The government’s procurement platform will also introduce new smart-controlled slow chargers with overcharge prevention capabilities. 

Safety equipment such as fire blankets and extinguishers will be available for purchase alongside electric vehicles. The PPS is also expanding the deployment of innovative fire suppression equipment incorporating advanced technology for active response to EV fires.

One notable innovation, recently designated as a pilot product for 2024, addresses the challenge of accessing lithium batteries during fires.

The new system can penetrate a vehicle’s undercarriage and battery pack to deliver fire-suppressing agents directly to the source of battery fires.

Fire departments and EV charging facilities are expected to widely adopt this technology following its selection as a pilot innovation product on October 11.

Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)