Why fire safety for London EV charging stations matters in 2025

Electric vehicle infrastructure is expanding rapidly in London. Councils, transport hubs and private operators add chargers in streets, car parks and workplaces. As a result, new fire risks appear alongside existing ones. First responders and insurers have raised concerns. Therefore, operators must adapt policies and systems now.

Moreover, the regulatory landscape is evolving. Building regulations, fire safety guidance and electrical standards are being updated to reflect EV technology. Non-compliance can lead to fines, enforcement action and reputational damage. In some cases, buildings may face temporary closure. For these reasons, effective management pays off.

Key risks at EV charging sites

Understanding common hazards lets you target controls more effectively. Key risks include:

• Battery thermal runaway. This can lead to rapid fire growth and high heat output.
• Faulty or damaged cables and plugs. These increase the likelihood of electrical arcing.
• Inadequate ventilation in enclosed car parks. Smoke and toxic gases then accumulate quickly.
• Shared electrical supply overload. This risks overheating distribution equipment.
• Proximity to combustible materials. Chargers located near rubbish or vegetation increase spread.

For example, a thermal runaway event in an enclosed basement can generate thick smoke and intense heat. Therefore, early detection and appropriate suppression or segregation are crucial.

Fire safety for London EV charging stations: essential compliance tips

Plan with clarity. Start by carrying out a site-specific fire risk assessment that includes EV charging infrastructure. A thorough assessment should consider charge point type, location, power rating and charging patterns. Use that assessment to inform prevention and mitigation measures.

Next, apply the correct standards and guidance. Align installation and inspection work with recognised standards. Also consult the Health and Safety Executive and National Fire Chiefs Council for sector guidance.

Control the risk of electrical faults. Ensure charge points are installed by competent, certified electricians. Require documentation of testing, such as portable appliance tests where relevant and appropriate commissioning records. In addition, install residual current devices and overcurrent protection appropriate to the circuit.

Separate high-risk areas. Where possible, site chargers away from escape routes and vulnerable building elements. In car parks, create physical barriers between chargers and pedestrian ways. Also consider dedicated compartments or fire-resistant enclosures for battery storage or fast-charging hubs.

Improve detection and suppression. Smoke detection systems in enclosed spaces should be extended or adapted to account for EV-specific fire behaviour. Consider addressable detectors and systems that alert both site staff and the fire service quickly. For high-risk installations, evaluate mist or water-based suppression systems and specialist solutions designed for lithium-ion batteries.

Implement robust maintenance and inspection regimes. Carry out planned inspections of chargers, cables and cable management systems. Log all maintenance work and remedial actions. Furthermore, implement a rapid response plan for reported faults and damaged equipment.

Train staff and users. Provide clear guidance for staff, contractors and users on what to do if a fault or fire occurs. Display simple, visible instructions at charging points. Also run regular drills for staff and emergency teams to test procedures.

Early detection, clear responsibilities and documented maintenance are the most effective controls against EV charging fires.

Design, installation and maintenance best practices

Design charging infrastructure using a risk-based approach. Assess load capacity and distribution, and design to avoid overload of existing panels. Where multiple high-power chargers are present, fit load-management systems to prevent simultaneous peak draws. This reduces stress on distribution boards and cabling.

Choose the right charger type for location. Slow or fast chargers may suit residential and workplace locations. Rapid chargers are meant for commercial hubs and require different electrical and fire controls. Match charger type to the site’s ventilation, fire detection and access provisions.

Insist on accredited installers. Use installers who follow recognised technical standards and who can verify competence. Insist on certificates for installation, electrical testing and commissioning. Keep those records available for audits and insurers.

Schedule routine maintenance and periodic inspection. Monthly visual checks and annual electrical testing should be minimums. For busy public hubs, increase inspection frequency. Record each inspection and any corrective work carried out. This documentation proves due diligence in the event of an incident.

Replace damaged components promptly. Cables, connectors and protective covers wear over time and with heavy use. Replace worn items immediately. Also, isolate and take out of service any unit that shows overheating, burning smell, or visible damage.

Operational management and incident planning

Write clear site procedures that integrate with building fire safety plans. Include charge point status in your evacuation and emergency procedures. Ensure fire marshals and facilities teams know how to isolate power to chargers safely.

Coordinate with emergency services. Inform the local fire brigade about high-risk sites and complex installations. Share site plans and key contact information. In addition, consider joint exercises for large or high-profile locations.

Prepare for post-incident recovery. Thermal runaway fires can damage equipment beyond repair. Have plans for safe removal and disposal of damaged EV components, and for environmental containment of firefighting runoff. Contact your insurer and specialist waste contractors as part of your response plan.

Use clear signage and user guidance. Signs should indicate how to stop charging and how to isolate the unit. Also provide guidance on not leaving vehicles charging unattended in some locations. Good signage reduces the chance of user error.

Regulatory and standards checklist for 2025

Stay current with regulations and standards. In addition to general fire safety law, follow electrical and building standards relevant to EV infrastructure. Key items to check include:

• Fire risk assessment covering EV chargers and related equipment.
• Compliance with electrical installation standards and certification.
• Adequate detection and alarm coverage in enclosed charging areas.
• Ventilation and smoke mitigation measures where required.
• Training records and incident procedures.

For broader government policy and building regulations, consult GOV.UK. This will help you track statutory changes and guidance updates.

Also, ensure you meet any local authority requirements for on-street chargers and pay heed to landlord and lease obligations in multi-occupancy buildings. Where a managing agent controls common areas, they must coordinate risk controls with tenants and leaseholders.

How Total Safe UK can help

Total Safe UK provides practical support for EV charging fire safety. We can deliver site-specific fire risk assessments that include EV infrastructure. In addition, we offer bespoke training for staff and clear action plans for compliance.

If you need technical surveys, we can assess ventilation, detection and segregation options. Then we provide prioritised recommendations and a phased implementation plan. For ongoing compliance, we offer periodic review services and asset tracking to keep records audit-ready.

To discuss a tailored assessment, contact our team through the Total Safe UK contact page. For information about our specific services visit our fire risk assessment services page. These resources will help you meet legal duties and manage risk effectively.

Next steps and quick checklist

Use this short checklist to get started:

• Commission a fire risk assessment that includes all EV chargers.
• Verify installer competence and hold commissioning documents.
• Ensure detection, ventilation and isolation systems are appropriate.
• Create or update site procedures and staff training.
• Log inspections and remedial works; keep records available.
• Engage with your local fire service for information sharing.

Begin with the assessment. Then implement high-priority measures without delay. Regular reviews will keep you aligned with evolving standards and operational experience.