Seoul to discourage nearly fully charged EVs from using underground parking lots

Starting in September, nearly fully charged electric vehicles (EVs) will be discouraged from accessing underground parking lots in apartment buildings in Seoul following increased incidents of EV fires.

Electric vehicles are being charged at an EV charging station in an underground parking lot of a building in Seoul on Friday. [NEWS1]

Starting in September, nearly fully charged electric vehicles (EVs) will be discouraged from accessing underground parking lots in apartment buildings in Seoul following increased incidents of EV fires.

"To alleviate public anxiety over fires in apartments, we are introducing measures to prevent excessive battery charging, which is one of the major causes of these fires," the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday.

As part of measures to prevent EV fires, Seoul City will recommend that only EVs charged to 90 percent or less be permitted in underground parking areas by amending apartment management guidelines by the end of next month.

According to fire authorities, 187 EV fires occurred nationwide from 2018 to June 2024, 16 of which occurred in Seoul alone.

While EV fires can result from external impacts and battery defects, excessive charging has been identified as a significant cause. Despite some debate on the effectiveness of charging limits, city officials believe that restricting charging to below full capacity could help mitigate fire risks.

Additionally, Seoul will coordinate with EV manufacturers to establish charging limits.

Two main methods will be used: one involves manufacturers designing batteries with an inherent margin to limit charging capacity, and the other allows EV owners to set their own target charging levels. For example, if a manufacturer sets a 10 percent margin, the effective battery capacity would be 90 percent, even though the dashboard shows 100 percent. Owners can also select lower target charging levels, such as 80 percent.

The city plans to propose that manufacturers increase the current 3 to 5 percent durability and safety margin to 10 percent. A "charging limit certificate" will be issued for vehicles that adhere to the 90 percent charging limit.

Starting next month, an 80 percent charging limit will be piloted at rapid chargers in public parking areas in the Korean capital, with plans to extend this to private operators.

By October, Seoul will revise its building review standards to mandate that new EV charging stations be installed above ground. If installed underground, they must be placed on the top floor of parking garages.

EV-exclusive parking areas will also be separated by firewalls and limited to three parked cars.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]