Jeon Seung-il, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, recently proposed fire prevention measures for electric vehicle charging facilities during a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 322nd regular meeting.
Councilor Jeon stated, “In March, a fire incident occurred while charging an electric vehicle in Samgak-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju,” adding, “As of May, 2,126 charging facilities have been installed in Seo-gu alone. Most apartment electric vehicle charging facilities are located underground, and in the event of a fire, thermal runaway could lead to a major disaster, making fire prevention measures urgently necessary.”
He also said, “According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the National Fire Agency, electric vehicle fire incidents have increased from one case in 2017 to 72 cases in 2023, showing an upward trend every year. Under the 'Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles,' charging zones must secure at least 5% of total parking spaces, and existing multi-family housing must secure charging facilities for at least 2% of total parking spaces by January 27, 2025. Therefore, the increase in electric vehicles and charging facilities is an established fact.”
However, he pointed out, “While this is a positive development from an environmental protection perspective, there is a need for proactive response to safety issues that may arise simultaneously. The 'Detailed Guidelines for Charging Infrastructure Installation' by the Ministry of Environment only require fire extinguishers near charging facilities, but legal and safety measures related to electric vehicle fires are insufficient.”
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho bless4ya@asiae.co.kr
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