Essential Fire Safety Measures for London’s Growing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: A 2025 Compliance Guide
Essential Fire Safety Measures for London’s Growing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Essential Fire Safety Measures for London’s Growing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations is the focus of this guide and it starts by explaining why rapid rollout raises new fire and compliance challenges. London leads the UK in public and private EV charging deployments. As a result, building owners, facilities managers and compliance officers must review fire safety controls now. This guide sets out practical, compliant steps for 2025 and beyond.
Risk assessment and site planning
Begin with a focused fire risk assessment that covers EV charging areas. For example, identify where chargers connect to the building supply, where batteries will be located in vehicles, and where pedestrian routes cross charging bays. Then map access for fire and rescue services and note evacuation impacts.
Next, include charging infrastructure in your documented fire strategy. Decide whether chargers will be in car parks, on-street bays or within plant rooms. For enclosed car parks, consider ventilation, fire-separating structures and routes for emergency services. Review compartmentation and escape routes to ensure charging devices do not compromise means of escape.
If you need specialist assessment, Total Safe UK fire risk assessment services offer tailored capability to integrate EV charging risks into existing assessments. Our team can advise on layout changes and operational controls.
Electrical installation and equipment standards
Installations must comply with recognised wiring and equipment standards. For instance, BS 7671 governs electrical installations in the UK, and specific guidance exists for EV supply equipment. Chargers should be installed by competent, accredited electricians and certified on completion.
Use Type A and Type B residual current devices where required, and fit appropriate protective devices to prevent overloads. Ensure charge points have firmware and hardware that support remote diagnostics and safe shutdown. Surge protection helps mitigate upstream faults.
Routine inspection and testing must be planned. Schedule periodic verification tests and maintain an asset register that records firmware versions, installation certificates and test results. For help implementing a compliance programme, see our fire safety consultancy.
Fire detection, suppression and ventilation
Early detection reduces response times and limits fire growth. Consider installing detection tailored to charging areas. For outdoor and well-ventilated locations, conventional smoke detectors may suffice. However, in enclosed car parks and plant rooms, opt for robust multi-criteria detectors or aspirating systems.
Suppression systems deserve careful thought. Automatic water-based sprinklers protect many car parks, but not all installations will be compatible with vehicle battery fires. Consult specialists before relying on a single suppression type.
Effective ventilation limits heat and fumes. For mechanical ventilation, ensure systems provide adequate airflow and link to detection and extract controls. Maintain ventilation units regularly and verify that smoke control strategies work with fire service procedures.
Battery-related fire considerations
Lithium-ion batteries behave differently from conventional fuel fires. Thermal runaway can develop quickly and produce high heat and toxic gases. Plan for extended firefighting times and potential for re-ignition.
Segregation of charging bays and vehicle storage can reduce risk. Design spaces with fire-resisting barriers and sacrificial separation zones where needed. Provide clear signage and safe refuge areas for staff and visitors.
For higher-risk sites, consider specialised monitoring systems that track battery temperature and early fault indicators. Work with your insurer and fire service to agree acceptable risk controls and response plans.
Operational controls, maintenance and training
Good day-to-day controls prevent many incidents. Instruct staff on safe charging behaviour, including avoiding unauthorised modifications and reporting damaged cables. Publish clear procedures for dealing with a vehicle showing signs of battery distress.
Maintenance plans must be robust. Record regular visual inspections, functional checks and servicing. Set prompt actions for fault reports and replace or isolate defective units immediately.
Training is essential. Train staff on immediate response, the correct use of suitable fire extinguishers and evacuation procedures. Teach personnel to report issues and evacuate rather than attempt to fight developing battery fires. Practise scenarios with the local fire service where possible.
Emergency response and liaison with fire services
Engaging the local fire and rescue service early improves outcomes. Invite representatives to inspect sites and review access arrangements. Provide them with detailed site plans, including locations of chargers, power supplies and hazardous areas.
Establish emergency procedures that reflect EV-specific risks. Inform crews about likely smoke types and possible re-ignition. Confirm where water supplies, hydrants and access points are located.
Adopt an incident log so you can capture lessons learned and update controls — continuous improvement reduces future exposure.
Insurance, records and compliance evidence
Insurers now scrutinise EV charging risk controls. Maintain comprehensive records to demonstrate due diligence. Keep installation certificates, maintenance logs and risk assessment updates together in a readily accessible format.
Document communication with statutory bodies and the fire service to show a clear audit trail if regulators or insurers request evidence. Review policies annually or after any significant change.
Practical checklist for dutyholders
Below is a condensed checklist to support immediate action:
- Include EV charging in your fire risk assessment.
- Confirm installations meet BS 7671 and manufacturer requirements.
- Ensure detection and ventilation are appropriate for the location.
- Train staff and keep simple, tested emergency procedures.
- Maintain records, test equipment and liaise with your insurer and fire service.
For a tailored audit, Total Safe UK can perform site surveys and produce compliance action plans. Our consultants work with facilities teams and building owners to reduce risk and meet statutory duties.
Next steps and working with Total Safe UK
Start by reviewing your current fire risk assessment and identify where EV charging makes a material difference. Prioritise immediate controls like isolating faulty units and updating evacuation routes. Plan electrical tests and engage competent installers for any remedial works.
If you need support, contact Total Safe UK to arrange an EV-focused site survey and a compliance roadmap. Our team can also deliver training and documentation that inspectors and insurers accept.
For wider legal and technical context, consult GOV.UK fire safety information, the HSE electrical safety guidance and the National Fire Chiefs Council guidance.
FAQ
Q: Who is responsible for fire safety when an EV charging point is installed on private land?
A: The dutyholder for the premises retains fire safety responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. They must include charging points in the fire risk assessment and implement appropriate controls.
Q: Do I need to change my fire detection system for EV charging bays?
A: You may need to upgrade detection in enclosed or underground car parks. For outdoor sites, the existing system might suffice. Complete a site-specific assessment and consult specialists where battery fire risk is higher.
Q: How should I manage a vehicle showing signs of battery failure?
A: Evacuate the immediate area, isolate the charger if safe to do so and call the emergency services. Do not attempt to extinguish a large battery fire without professional support, and keep records of the incident for follow-up.
Q: Are insurers likely to increase premiums for sites with EV charging?
A: Insurers assess risk on a case-by-case basis. Sites with robust installation, maintenance and operational controls typically receive more favourable terms. Maintain good records and engage with your insurer early.
Q: Where can I get help integrating EV risks into my fire safety plan?
A: Total Safe UK provides EV-focused fire risk assessments, consultancy and training to help dutyholders comply. Contact our team to arrange a survey and an action plan.
