Fire Risks from Overcharged Electric Vehicles in Basement Car Parks and Implementation of Risk Mitigation Measures

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Singapore Civil Defence Force is looking into the risks of fire for overcharged electric vehicles (EVs) in basement car parks; and (b) whether it will implement any risk mitigation measures taking into consideration practices in certain jurisdictions which ban EVs with battery charged over 90% from entering underground parking in residential buildings.

Carparks in Singapore are designed in accordance with the Fire Code. For example, they are built with fire-rated walls and doors to be able to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the building prior to the Singapore Civil Defence Force's (SCDF's) arrival. Ventilation needs to be provided, through either natural or mechanical means, to disperse smoke, heat and gases emitted during the fire. For enclosed basement carparks, sprinklers are also required. These fire safety systems undergo regular maintenance and inspection, as part of Fire Code requirements.

In March 2022, SCDF mandated at least one emergency main isolation shut-off switch to be provided within 15 metres of an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station. This switch cuts off the power supply to both the charging station and the EV being charged in the event of a fire.

Since 2023, SCDF and the Land Transport Authority have been co-chairing a multi-agency EV Safety Taskforce to monitor and manage EV-related matters, such as fire risks. The Taskforce will continue to regularly review safety requirements to support the adoption of EVs in Singapore.