Electric vehicle proliferation is transforming fire risk in underground car parks. New design and management approaches needed.. EV Fires Underground Underground car park fires involving EVs present exceptional challenges — intense heat, toxic fumes, and re ignition risk in a confined space. The Changed Risk Profile EV battery fires burn at 1,000°C+ vs 500°C for conventional vehicles Thermal runaway produces hydrogen fluoride and other toxic gases Re ignition risk persists for days after apparent extinguishment Traditional ventilation designs may be inadequate for EV fire scenarios Updated Design Considerations Enhanced structural fire resistance (120 minutes minimum) Increased ventilation capacity for EV fire heat release rates Sprinkler systems designed for EV fire scenarios Drainage systems capable of handling contaminated fire water Management Measures EV charging zone separation and monitoring Fire service information boxes with EV location data Emergency response plans specific to EV incidents For car park fire safety design, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.