Electric vehicles seem to be in more trouble as Mumbai is considering banning EVs from charging in parking lots. Owing to several incidents of fires in parking lots, the fire services have come up with guidelines for parking lots and EV charging.
Mumbai is considering banning EVs from charging in automated parking spots, puzzle parking and basement parking. In previous incidents of fire, rescue personnel and firefighters were unable to access the source of the fire. As per the new guidelines, there needs to be a minimum space around the plot for easy access in case of a fire.
Electric vehicle guidelines issued
The new guidelines for electric vehicles and parking state that there needs to be a mandatory 1.5-metre margin on the side and rear of the parking structure for rescue operations if needed, charging of electric vehicles must be banned in automated parking, puzzle parking, and basement parking, and avoid parking vehicles in close proximity, either to the side or above, as they can easily spread fire.
The suggestions further state that multilevel parking in individual parking structures is allowed up to 45 metres. It also states that charging for EVs should be provided in a well-ventilated area and electric vehicle charging cannot be provided in the basement or at upper levels of automated parking.
