Mumbai Wants To BAN EV Charging At These Places: Here’s Why
Although electric vehicles are very eco-friendly, they can still pose a lot of danger due to the fires they can get involved in. All across India, safety concerns over the charging of EVs have surfaced, particularly in densely populated cities like Mumbai. Recently, due to rising incidents of EV-related fires, the city is considering stringent measures to ensure public safety. One of the most significant steps being discussed is the potential ban on EV charging in certain types of parking areas.
Where Does Mumbai Want to Ban EV Charging?
As per Mumbai’s fire department, which has been alarmed by a series of EV-related fires, it has proposed banning EV charging in several high-risk areas. These include automated parking spots, puzzle parking systems, and basement parking areas. This ban is being planned due to challenges faced by rescue personnel during fire incidents in such locations.
According to the fire department, automated parking spots, which often involve stacking cars in multi-level arrangements, present a significant risk if an EV catches fire. The confined space and lack of easy access make it incredibly difficult for firefighters to control and extinguish fires.
Additionally, puzzle parking, which operates on a similar multi-level system, also poses the same risks. In these parking systems, vehicles are parked closely together, making fire control even more challenging. Basement parking areas are particularly vulnerable due to their enclosed nature.
In the event of a fire, the lack of ventilation can cause smoke and toxic fumes to accumulate rapidly. This not only endangers the vehicles but also the lives of those in the building. Apart from this, the narrow access points in these parking structures also create issues during rescue operations and often lead to potentially catastrophic outcomes.
What Is Being Proposed to Solve This Issue?
Under the proposed guidelines, a mandatory 1.5-meter margin around parking structures will be required, stated the fire department. It mentioned that this will allow for efficient rescue operations. It added that EV charging in these high-risk areas would be strictly prohibited, and charging facilities would need to be located in well-ventilated, open spaces to minimize the risk of fire spreading.
Why Is This Ban a Good Thing?
While the idea of banning EV charging in certain areas may seem restrictive, it is, in fact, a necessary step toward ensuring public safety. The increasing number of EV-related fire incidents in Mumbai has highlighted the urgent need for more stringent safety measures. The city’s infrastructure, especially in densely populated areas, is often not equipped to handle the unique risks posed by EVs.
Mumbai’s EV Fire Incidents
Borivali’s Mangal Kunj Society Incident
Over the last few months, numerous incidents of EV fires have taken place in Mumbai. One of the most significant fire incidents occurred at Borivali’s Mangal Kunj Society. In this incident, a fire broke out in the parking lot, destroying approximately 25 to 26 vehicles. The fire, which reportedly originated from an electric bike, quickly spread to other two-wheelers parked nearby. The Mumbai Fire Brigade responded with three fire tenders to control the flames.
BEST Electric Buses Fire in Malvani
Another incident involved the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses. In February, a series of fires involving electric buses prompted BEST to remove 400 wet-leased buses from service. The most recent fire occurred in Malvani, where an electric bus caught fire while being charged.
The fire started in the battery set positioned on the rooftop of the bus. Although the fire brigade managed to extinguish the fire within 15 minutes, this was the sixth such incident involving BEST buses in 2023, and the third in less than three months.
Mazgaon, Byculla Flat Incident
An incident in Mazgaon, Byculla was also reported in which an electric bike battery, while being charged inside a flat, caught fire. This led to a major blaze that burned down the entire flat. The fire started due to a short circuit in the charging cable, and the smoke quickly filled the building, making it difficult for residents to escape. Firefighters had to use ladders to rescue about 8 to 10 people from the building. Fortunately, no one was injured.