EV Charging Safety: Managing Electric Vehicle Risks in Parking Structures

Electric vehicle charging station in a parking structure- EV Charging Safety blog featured image

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has been steadily increasing as consumers and the automotive industry move away from standard internal combustion engines. With this rise, concerns around EV charging safety and parking structure precautions have also become more important.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the sale of hybrid, plug-in electric, and battery electric vehicles in the United States accounted for 16.3% of total new light-duty vehicle sales in 2023, up from 12.9% in 2022.

Although EVs offer numerous benefits, such as contributing to reduced emissions and helping auto manufacturers comply with government environmental mandates, they also pose certain risks in specific environments—particularly parking structures. These risks include heightened fire hazards as well as added design and operational challenges.

Risks of EVs in Parking Structures

When EVs are in parking structures or parking garages, they present risks that can cause serious injuries and significant property damage. Two of the main hazards these vehicles can potentially pose involve dangerous, toxic fires and the risk of structural collapse due to the weight of the vehicles.

EVs have chemical, electrical, and thermal properties that can cause fires. Specifically, the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs can be susceptible to thermal runaway, a process where they create more heat than they can disperse. This can result in a rapid release of heat, which can lead to explosions and fires. Furthermore, the fires from EVs produce toxic fumes, reach extreme temperatures, and can be difficult to extinguish with traditional fire suppression methods. The intensity of the flames can threaten the structural integrity of parking structures.

Additionally, the presence of charging stations within parking structures can also increase fire risks; a faulty charger or charging a damaged battery can result in a fire. The layout of parking structures (i.e., several combustible vehicles placed closely together in an area with low ceilings, which can increase convection heating) may also make it difficult to suppress fires that start in them.

The threat of collapse is another risk EVs pose to parking structures. These structures may face collapse risks as they accommodate increasing numbers of EVs. This is because the components of EVs result in them weighing more than traditional automobiles. According to the director of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation Research, EVs often weigh 30% more than those with internal combustion engines. The main source of their additional weight comes from their batteries. This added weight could stress existing structures, especially those that are older or improperly maintained. A 2023 parking garage collapse in New York City demonstrated how parking structures might be susceptible to failure under extreme weight, especially if they have defects; the structure in New York City had received multiple building violations over several decades.

Strategies for EV Charging Safety and Protection

Implementing protective measures can help mitigate the risks to parking structures associated with the increased prevalence of EVs. Strategies to address fire hazards include installing a sprinkler system or enhancing an existing system’s water output capabilities, ensuring charging stations are installed in accordance with applicable regulations, and utilizing thermal imaging and off-gassing detectors. It is also crucial to conduct regular evaluations, inspections, and maintenance on these systems and devices and leverage other technologies, such as battery management systems, to help reduce the potential for fires. Working with local fire department officials can also help structure owners locate and address potential fire risks. This meeting should occur at least annually to review best practices for extinguishing EV battery fires. It is recommended that an emergency plan be put in place to swiftly respond to these incidents and help protect property and individuals’ health and safety.

Parking structure owners must be aware of the increased structural risks from EVs and take action to ensure their facilities can withstand the added weight. It is essential to maintain the structures and immediately repair any issues. Additionally, technological simulations and modeling can help identify weak points, and artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to help with the design. For example, AI can assist with determining how to safely distribute and withstand the load of the cars the structure will house and offer tips on the safest locations for charging stations. These tools should be used in conjunction with input from certified professionals who can not only provide additional guidance on these critical decisions but also ensure the structure complies with regulations and standards aimed at addressing the risks of heavier vehicles, including EVs.

EVs are revolutionizing the automotive industry and offer several environmental benefits. Yet, as these vehicles become more popular, parking structure owners need to be aware of the risks EVs pose and prioritize EV charging safety along with facility precautions. By being proactive and taking appropriate actions, parking structure owners may mitigate the fire and structural hazards that EVs present.

Contact Acentria Insurance today for more risk management and insurance guidance.

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Rob Wagner

Executive Vice President | Director of Sales, Southeast Region

With over 15 years of insurance industry experience, Rob focuses on growing organic growth throughout the entire Southeast region for both Acentria Insurance and Foundation Risk Partners. Working alongside both executive leadership and territory sales leaders, Rob is instrumental in producer training, increasing retention and expanding our organizational footprint.

As a self-proclaimed Army Brat, he was born in Fort Benning, GA, but has moved 27 times and resided in 40 different houses… all before college! His father proudly served our country for 28 years! As a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Business Management, Rob also holds an MBA from Stetson University. A producer at heart, he specializes in large property, senior living, management liability and workers’ compensation. He enjoys meeting new team members and finds his personal success in seeing producers succeed.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 22 years and their two daughters. Together they enjoy boating, offshore fishing and exercising.

Mike Freeman

Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading the Acentria Mergers & Acquisitions team, Mike works with those agency principals and leaders who are interested in furthering a potential partnership with Acentria Insurance.  With over 35 years of finance and insurance experience, Mike and his team showcase the various benefits of partnering with Acentria. He works with principals through the initial phases to evaluate agency operations, books of business as well as planning and implementing fully comprehensive migration and implementation plans. He served 25 years in the banking industry in various executive-level positions transitioning to insurance in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer for Acentria Insurance. In 2017, Acentria Insurance partnered with Foundation Risk Partners where his major focus became leading Acentria Insurance’s mergers and acquisitions team.  

Mike is a graduate of Auburn University. He is dedicated to serving his community having held numerous leadership positions including Chairman for the American Heart Association; Chairman Mental Health Association; Chairman Destin Chamber of Commerce and Board Member for United Way Okaloosa-Walton Counties. Mike is a 27-year resident of Destin, FL and enjoys spending time with his wife of 35 years, Yvonne and their two adult children and their families.

Jenny Cirioni

Vice President, Operations
Northeast, Florida

Todd Lawrence

Executive Vice President
Southeast Florida

Rob Wagner

Executive Vice President
Southwest Florida Region

Alan Florez

Executive Vice President, National Sales

Alan leads new business growth strategies and expansion, guides the development of resources and training for Sales Producers and their partnerships with Carriers. With over 15 years of industry experience, Alan also leads the Acentria Public Risk divisions working with municipalities and government entities for their coverage needs. He was appointed to the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners December 2020 and also serves as an Executive Committee member for our parent company, Foundation Risk Partners.

Previously, Alan served as Governor Jeb Bush’s Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant. He is a former member of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees and currently volunteers his time with the Florida Council of 100, Futures Foundation of Volusia County Schools and the Community Foundation of Flagler and Volusia. Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

Anne Kraus

Senior Vice President
Commercial Lines Operations

Teresa Fillmon

Vice President
Small Business Unit

Alex Doberstein

Vice President
Benefits Resource Leader

Eric Austin

Operations Lead
Port St. Lucie & West Palm Beach

Luke Wolkers

Executive Vice President
Employee Benefits

Chris Tolland

Executive Vice President
Northeast Florida Sales

Brian Stanton

Executive Vice President
Southeast Florida

Nathan Marks

Executive Vice President
Northwest Florida

Jason Cruse

Executive Vice President
Central Florida Sales

Jackie Shaw

Senior Vice President
Agency Operations

Jessica Parkhurst

Senior Vice President
Marketing & Branding

Doreen Castro

Senior Vice President
Personal Lines Operations

Kendall McEachern

Co-Founder

Kendall was a fundamental part of Acentria Insurance. As a co-founder, he brought more than 30 years of industry expertise to Acentria, helping transform the organization into a leading insurance provider. Beloved by team members, carrier partners and clients, he oversaw more than 400,000 insured multi-family units with property values greater than $22 billion, and over four million square feet of commercial office space and real estate buildings. Kendall has received numerous industry awards to include being recognized as a National Top Producer and Agent of the Year by both Insurance Business America and Insurance Journal. Away from the office, he served as chairman for the American Heart Association, actively participated in his church and golfing, watching sports and spending time with his family. Kendall passed away in January of 2021, leaving a lasting legacy on Acentria’s culture, success, industry-wide reputation – and on all of us fortunate to have worked alongside him.

Mary Lawless

President & Chief Operating Officer

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Mary brings over three decades of industry expertise to Acentria Insurance. With a strong focus on Mergers & Acquisitions, Mary is passionate about partnering with new agencies and leaders to continue the overall upward growth of Acentria. She works in conjunction with the CEO to lead and deliver specialized sales products, services and industry leading capabilities while implementing business and sales strategies to the Acentria sales team and carrier partners. Mary has direct oversight of all operational leaders throughout the entire organizational footprint and is responsible for operational financials and budgets.

She empowers her team members and because of it, is well respected by her peers and those she leads. Since her time with Acentria, Mary’s leadership has contributed to the agency’s exponential growth from 15 to well over 50 locations, increasing employment to over 700 team members, across the southeastern United States. Due to her leadership and contributions to the insurance industry, she has been nationally recognized as one of Insurance Business America magazine’s Elite Women and serves as a valuable member on the Executive Committee for Foundation Risk Partners, Acentria’s parent company. Prior to joining Acentria Insurance, Mary led operations for another national broker. Throughout her tenure, she has held a variety of management positions in Personal Lines, Select Business and Employee Benefits. Mary specializes in agency operations, partnerships and acquisitions and is truly passionate about developing team members to become great leaders.

When not shaping the future industry leaders at Acentria Insurance, Mary enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Pat and their family and friends.

Mitch Weinstein

Partner & Co-Founder

As partner of Acentria Insurance, Mitch plays an integral role in mergers & acquisitions. He focuses on seeking out strategic like-minded partners and agencies, across the southeastern United States, to partner and join the Acentria family.

Mitch has over 42 years of business leadership experience that ranges from law enforcement to the finance, healthcare and insurance industries. He was instrumental in developing the nation’s first “at-risk” managed care network for physical and occupational therapy serving the worker’s compensation industry. This network paved the way for a new managed care system, based on incentives.

Mitch is passionate about giving back to the youth of his community. He is an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County and believes in helping all young people reach their full potential. He is also the founder of Fallen First Reserve which is a non-profit organization dedicated to financially assisting those family members of First Responders killed in the line of duty and military members killed in action. Mitch also serves on the board for Fund the First.

Kevin Mason

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

As Chief Executive Office of Acentria Insurance, Kevin focuses on developing insurance solutions that strengthen Acentria’s presence in the market and its commitment to client-relationships and exceptional service. With over 35 years of industry experience, he specializes in the overall growth of Acentria is passionate about bringing new talent to the organization both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. Through his leadership and the support of the Executive Leadership team, Acentria Insurance instills a positive corporate culture which has led the agency in being recognized as a leader within our industry as a Top 100 Workplace, Employer of Choice, Best Agency to Work For and several other national and regional accolades.

Before co-founding Acentria Insurance, Kevin served as Branch Manager for another national broker. Kevin holds the prestigious title as an Agent of the Year and five-time National Top Producer. He is also a key member of the Foundation Risk Partners Executive Committee, which is the parent company of Acentria Insurance, while also serving as the National Director for Carrier Relations. In addition, Kevin oversees the Sales Leadership Council, which encompasses sales leaders across the entire FRP footprint in an effort to develop and refine shared resources while offering producer training and development programs.

Kevin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of West Florida. He is very active in his community and served over a decade on the Board of Directors of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and remains as a trustee, which funds over 14 children’s charities along the Florida Panhandle. He is also a member of the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Community Association Institute and Florida Association of Insurance Agents. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys golfing, tennis, boating and spending time with his wife Laura, and their children.