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While there is no single mandatory global regulation for portside keeping or storage of electric vehicles (EV) there are various guidelines for safety when these vehicles (EV) are kept/stored at port whether inside sheds or in open yards.

Electric car sales in 2025 are expected to exceed 20 million worldwide to represent more than one-quarter of cars sold worldwide.

[IEA- Global EV Outlook 2025- Expanding sales in diverse markets]

Many recommendations for onboard carriage of electric vehicles (EV) can be applied to terminals for enhanced safety.

Pre-Loading checks and Acceptance (For both open yards and closed sheds)

• Inspect EVs upon arrival at the port/terminal. Reject or require battery removal for damaged, defective, leaking, flooded (especially saltwater), or suspect used/second-hand EVs (higher risk due to potential hidden battery abuse).
• Limit state of charge (SoC) to 20–50% where possible (reduces thermal runaway risk).
• Clearly mark/label EVs (e.g., color-coded stickers on windscreens indicating battery/propulsion type) for easy identification by port staff and emergency responders. [Refer ISO Standard ISO 17840-1:2022 Road vehicles — Information for first and second responders]

Storage in Open Yards (Preferred for Lower Risk)

• Open yards are safer due to natural ventilation, heat dissipation, and easier firefighting access.
• Create firebreaks via spacing (e.g., several meters between vehicles or groups) to prevent propagation and allow access for cooling/blankets.
• Use thermal imaging cameras or monitoring for early detection of battery overheating.
• Store damaged/high-risk EVs outdoors, at least 15 meters (50 feet) from structures/combustibles, ideally with barriers (earth, steel, concrete, or masonry) on three sides.

Storage in Closed Sheds (Higher Risk Due to Confinement)

• Treat as enclosed parking facilities: Conduct fire risk assessments, install advanced detection (smoke/heat/gas detectors, thermal cameras, CCTV), and ensure automatic power isolation for any charging points.
• Use propagation controls: Compartmentalization (fire-resistant walls/floors, etc.), sprinklers or water mist systems (preferred for cooling batteries and capturing toxic gases), mechanical smoke extraction/ventilation.
• Strictly limit or prohibit charging unless using certified safe infrastructure (e.g., with overcharge/temperature protection, emergency cut-offs, and explosion-proof design). Avoid fast-charging (>22 kW) in most enclosed areas.
• Prohibit storage of damaged/flooded/recall-affected EVs in sheds; move them to open areas for monitoring.

General Fire Prevention and Response Measures for Port Storage

• No unauthorized repairs or hot works (e.g., welding) near stored EVs.
• Train staff on EV-specific risks; conduct regular drills with fire services.
• Equip with specialized tools: Fire blankets, high-volume water supply for cooling, piercing nozzles, or containment units for burning vehicles.
• Coordinate emergency plans with local fire services, including toxic gas management (e.g., HF) and contaminated runoff handling.

Further readings

• EVs and Parking Garages | NFPA
• Electric Vehicle risks in maritime ports and fire response strategies  – Port Skills & Safety
• EMSA – Guidance for AFVs carriage in ro-ro spaces
• ABS – Best Practices For The Transport Of Electric Vehicles On Board Vessels
• New revolutionary method tested extinguishes lithium-Ion EV fires in ten minutes with minimal water use