Several residential complexes in China have reportedly imposed bans on electric vehicles (EVs) from parking in basement car parks, citing the risk of battery fires and the difficulty of containing them in enclosed spaces. The move has triggered heated discussions online, with critics and supporters weighing in on safety, technology, and government regulation.
According to local reports, some property management committees claim that the decision was made after incidents of EV fires, particularly during charging, raised concerns over the safety of residents and property. Lithium-ion battery fires can be notoriously hard to extinguish, and in underground car parks, smoke and heat could spread rapidly, endangering lives and making evacuation difficult.
While exact numbers of such incidents remain low compared to the total number of EVs on the road, the perceived danger has been enough for certain housing estates to enforce blanket bans. These restrictions mean EV owners must park their vehicles outdoors, sometimes far from their homes, leading to frustration among affected residents.
Public Reaction Divided
Social media comments reveal a sharp split in opinion. Supporters of the ban argue that prevention is better than cure, noting that a single underground fire could cause millions in damage and potentially cost lives. They point out that insurance claims for such large-scale incidents may not fully cover losses, leaving residents financially devastated.
Critics, however, accuse property managers of overreacting and discriminating against EV owners. Some argue that the real issue lies in poor-quality batteries from budget manufacturers, suggesting that only substandard models should be restricted rather than imposing a blanket ban. Others blame weak safety regulations and call for higher manufacturing standards, more rigorous testing, and better fire suppression systems in car parks.
Industry and Policy Implications
The controversy comes at a critical time for China’s EV industry, which is the largest in the world and a key part of the country’s push for green technology. Experts warn that such bans could undermine public confidence in EV adoption and hurt domestic automakers, especially if similar policies spread.
Some netizens suggested that instead of outright bans, the government should mandate safety upgrades for underground car parks, such as advanced fire detection, automatic suppression systems, and clearly marked emergency exits. Others pointed to global EV leaders like Tesla, which have relatively low fire incident rates, as proof that technology and quality control can address the issue without resorting to blanket prohibitions.
For now, the debate shows no sign of cooling, and with EV ownership in China continuing to surge, the clash between safety concerns and green transport ambitions is likely to intensify.