EV parking safety: which systems are mandatory in 2026

The number of electric vehicles in Catalonia is growing at a rate that exceeds the adaptation of safety regulations. Community, commercial and industrial parkings in Barcelona and Tarragona face a real challenge: fire protection systems designed for combustion vehicles are insufficient against lithium battery fires.

At Igniescut we specialise in extinguishing for electric vehicles. This guide explains why the risk of EVs in parkings is different and which systems are already mandatory in 2026.

Why an EV fire is different

Thermal runaway

A lithium battery fire does not work like a conventional fire. The thermal runaway process occurs when one or more battery cells reach a critical temperature and trigger an irreversible chain reaction:

1. A cell fails due to overload, mechanical damage or manufacturing defect.
2. Cell temperature exceeds 80–100 °C: flammable gases (CO, H2, HF) are generated and a first release occurs.
3. Above 130–150 °C, electrolyte degradation begins and the exothermic reaction accelerates.
4. From 200 °C the reaction is self-sustaining: the battery burns even if external oxygen is removed, because the electrolyte acts as an oxidiser.
5. Temperature can exceed 1,000 °C at the core of the battery pack.

The most dangerous aspect of thermal runaway is not only the temperature: re-ignition can occur hours or days after the fire appears extinguished. Firefighters have documented re-ignition cases 24 and 48 hours after putting out the initial focus.

Gases released

During thermal runaway, highly toxic and flammable gases are released, including:

• HF (hydrogen fluoride): extremely toxic, corrosive and capable of penetrating skin and protective clothing.
• CO (carbon monoxide): asphyxiating.
• H₂ (hydrogen): flammable at concentrations of 4–75% in air; lighter than air, it accumulates in ceilings.

A parking without adequate ventilation can reach dangerous H₂ concentrations within minutes.

"The problem with lithium battery fires in parkings is not extinguishing them, it's containing them. Once thermal runaway starts, the vehicle can burn for hours with spontaneous re-ignitions. If the parking does not have the capacity to apply massive water continuously and remove the gases through forced ventilation, the risk of propagation to the building is very high."

— Technical manager, Igniescut

Regulatory framework in force in Spain and Catalonia

REBT — ITC-BT-52

The Complementary Technical Instruction ITC-BT-52 of the REBT (RD 842/2002) regulates the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. It establishes requirements for the electrical installation of charging points but does not directly define active protection provisions based on installed power. This is the regulatory gap being addressed in 2025-2026.

CTE DB-SI and RIPCI

The CTE DB-SI and the RIPCI (RD 513/2017) set active protection provisions for parkings according to their surface area and configuration. For parkings > 500 m², they require:

• Automatic fire and CO detection.
• 25 mm fire hose reels (BIE).
• Extinguishers with a minimum efficacy of 21A-113B every 15 m of travel.
• Emergency lighting and signage.

These requirements do not change with the presence of EVs, but experience shows that they are insufficient for a lithium battery fire without specific provisions.

UNE-EN 17353:2022

This European standard, adopted in Spain, sets specific recommendations for fire protection of alternative propulsion vehicles (electric, hybrid and hydrogen) in covered parkings. Although voluntary in application, it is the technical reference used by safety engineers and insurance assessors to evaluate whether a parking is adequately protected.

UNE-EN 17353 recommends, depending on the number of bays with a charging point:

• Up to 10 EV bays: CO + H₂ detection, forced ventilation, specific extinguishers.
• 10–20 EV bays: the above + BIE with additive option.
• More than 20 EV bays: the above + automatic sprinkler system or zone flood system.

Regulatory update in progress (2025-2026)

The Generalitat de Catalunya is preparing an update to the Technical Guide of the Departament d'Empresa i Treball which will include specific active protection provisions for parkings with charging installations. It is expected to require an H₂ detection system and forced ventilation in all parkings with more than 5 charging points, regardless of their surface area.

The Ajuntament de Barcelona, for its part, already requires a EV risk analysis report when processing new construction or refurbishment activity licenses whenever the parking includes more than 10 bays with chargers.

Recommended protection systems by risk level

| System | Parking < 10 EV | Parking 10–20 EV | Parking > 20 EV | |---|---|---|---| | Smoke detection | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | | CO detection | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | | H₂ detection | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Mandatory (UNE) | | Forced ventilation linked to detection | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | | 25 mm BIE (if >500 m²) | ✅ Per CTE | ✅ Per CTE | ✅ Per CTE | | CO₂ or ECO Fire lithium extinguishers | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Recommended | ✅ Recommended | | Automatic sprinklers | ❌ Not mandatory | ⚠️ Recommended | ✅ Recommended | | Containment tray per EV bay | ❌ | ⚠️ Recommended | ✅ Recommended |

The ECO Fire extinguisher is specifically effective for lithium fires: it cools the battery and reduces the risk of re-ignition. ABC powder extinguishers put out surface flames but do not stop the internal thermal runaway.

Adaptation checklist for existing parkings

If your community or commercial parking already has EV charging points installed, this is the recommended review process:

• [ ] Electrical audit: verify that the charging installation complies with ITC-BT-52 and that the protection panel is adequate for the installed power.
• [ ] Review of existing detection system: does it include CO detectors? Are the levels where the chargers are located covered? Is the detection panel up to date?
• [ ] Add H₂ detectors: install hydrogen detectors on the ceilings of areas with chargers (H₂ is lighter than air and accumulates at height).
• [ ] Verify ventilation: check that the forced ventilation system is automatically activated when CO or H₂ detectors exceed alarm thresholds.
• [ ] Review extinguishers: replace expired ABC powder extinguishers or those in EV areas with CO₂ or ECO Fire lithium extinguishers.
• [ ] Specific signage: add "EV charging zone" signage with fire risk and first aid pictograms.
• [ ] Emergency plan: update the Self-Protection Plan with the specific protocol for EV fires (do not open the vehicle boot, do not attempt to extinguish with water, evacuate and alert firefighters).
• [ ] Consult with the insurance company: verify that the policy covers EV fires and that the active protection provisions are those required by the insurer.

Particularities in Barcelona and the metropolitan area

The Ajuntament de Barcelona has tightened inspection criteria for parkings with EV chargers since 2024. In practice, this means:

• Communities applying for a works license to install or expand charging points must include in the project an assessment of the existing PCI systems.
• The SPEIS (Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue Service) can carry out ex officio inspections of parkings larger than 500 m² with charging installations.
• Community insurance in Barcelona is starting to require PCI system certification as a condition to maintain coverage in the event of an EV fire.

You can expand the regulatory context in our guide on BIEs in Catalonia: RIPCI, CTE and Generalitat regulation, where we also cover ongoing regulatory changes for parkings with charging points.

Frequently asked questions

Which systems are mandatory in a parking with EV chargers?

The regulation in force in 2026 requires CO and hydrogen detection, forced ventilation linked to detection, accessible CO₂ or ABC powder extinguishers, and BIEs. For new parkings with more than 20 charging bays, the Generalitat recommends automatic sprinklers. Specific lithium fire extinguishers are mandatory in owned EV fleets.

Can a lithium battery fire be extinguished with water alone?

No. Water can cool the battery and reduce propagation, but it does not stop the thermal runaway reaction once started. Large volumes for hours are needed to keep the temperature below the critical point. Current protocols combine flood water, flame suppressant agents and ventilation to remove toxic gases emitted.

Do I need to refurbish my parking if I install EV chargers?

In most cases yes. ITC-BT-52 of the REBT requires an electrical project and installation certificate. If the parking does not have the required detection and ventilation systems, the PCI installations must be adapted. In Barcelona, the Ajuntament requires specific inspection when processing activity licenses with charging points.

How much does it cost to adapt an existing parking for EVs?

Adapting the electrical installation for 10-20 charging points in a community parking can cost between 3,000 and 8,000 euros. If detection, ventilation and extinguishing also need updating, the total cost can reach 15,000-30,000 euros. An adequacy study is advisable before undertaking any works.

Parking adaptation service in Catalonia

At Igniescut we assess the risk of your parking and design the protection system appropriate to the presence of electric vehicles, combining:

• Approved CO, smoke and H₂ detection systems.
• Forced ventilation linked to detection.
• ECO Fire extinguishers specific for lithium.
• BIEs with additives compatible with battery fires.
• Automatic sprinklers for higher-risk parkings.

Contact us for a no-obligation inspection of your parking in Barcelona, Tarragona or any municipality in Catalonia.