France has introduced new fire safety rules for workshops and depots using lithium-ion battery tech for the charging of electric public transport vehicles.
The French government said the new rules establish conditions under which buses can be safely charged using lithium-ion or lithium-metal-polymer technologies.
The rules applies to depots designed to charge at least 10 vehicles at a time – and is being introduced because lithium technology “presents fire risks different from lead-acid technologies”, the government said.
The rules set minimum distances for the siting of charging depots in urban areas and requires the installation of fire walls or fire extinguishing systems under certain conditions.
Regulations also include automated measures that allow power to be cut to charging terminals in the event of fire.
