No charging facilities allowed on 4th underground level or below

Underground charging areas for new energy vehicles should be located on the first or second underground levels, instead of being set up on the fourth underground level or below, according to Shenzhen's recently released regulations on fire safety management of underground parking spaces of new energy vehicles, to become effective Nov. 1.

The regulations, first of its kind in the country, stipulates that such charging areas should be grouped accordingly, with relevant technical requirements, including the maximum power of the charging facilities outlined.

The rules propose the installation of car-moving devices as the primary initial fire-fighting equipment at every underground garage. Operators of such parking spaces are required to develop emergency plans and emergency response procedures, and conduct drills to effectively prevent the spread of fires and minimize damages in case of a new energy vehicle catches fire.

Additionally, the regulations make it mandatory for owners of such charging facilities to register on a designated platform of the city’s fire fighting brigade. The move will enable centralized remote monitoring and send out early warning in case of fire, enhancing the fire safety management level through technological empowerment.

Shenzhen has been leading the country in the development of the new energy industry, with a fleet of public buses and taxis powered by electricity. It is estimated that by 2025, the number of new energy vehicles in the city will reach 1 million, with approximately 43,000 fast charging stations set up for public and dedicated networks, and about 790,000 slow charging stations for the basic network.

As the industry develops rapidly, fire safety issues regarding their parking in underground garages have become increasingly prominent. (Xinhua)