Carrefour bans electric vehicles from rooftop parking in Belgium

Carrefour has implemented a ban on electric vehicles (EVs) parking on rooftop garages at 18 of its locations in Belgium. The retailer stated that while EVs remain welcome at ground-level parking areas, where charging stations are often available, the rooftop restriction is a preventive measure.

The decision is driven by two primary concerns: structural weight and fire safety. Due to large battery packs, EVs are significantly heavier than comparable internal combustion engine vehicles. Engineers warn that the cumulative weight of many heavy EVs could strain older concrete structures designed when average vehicle weights were much lower.

Additionally, lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges for emergency services. These fires can involve thermal runaway, requiring massive amounts of water and prolonged cooling efforts. Carrefour noted that accessing rooftop locations with the necessary heavy firefighting equipment can be difficult due to narrow or steep ramps. The Belgian electric vehicle association has criticized the move, noting that large petrol-powered SUVs can be just as heavy as smaller electric models.