“Electric Storm on the High Seas: Ferry Fret”

British Drivers Warned of Ferry Ban on Electric Vehicles Due to Fire Fears

As the cold winter months approach, many British drivers are planning their holidays abroad. However, those who own electric vehicles (EVs) may face a problem when trying to take a ferry to their destination. A growing number of ferry companies have banned the use of electric vehicles on board due to fire safety fears.

The decision to ban EVs was sparked by a fire on the MS Pearl of Scandinavia in 2010, which was caused by a short circuit in an extension cable connected to a socket on the dock. Since then, several ferry operators have taken steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

DFDS, a popular ferry operator in Europe, has banned the use of electric vehicle chargers on board its ferries. Stena Line, another major ferry service, only has onboard EV charging facilities on the Kiel to Gothenburg route. Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries have also banned electric vehicles, including electric cars, hybrid vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, and electric wheelchairs.

The Greek Ministry of the Merchant Navy has also issued a directive stating that electric vehicles on board ferries should not have more than 40% charge before driving on a ferry. This follows a study by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) which found that if an electric vehicle has a charge lower than 30%, the rate of thermal runaway is dramatically reduced.

A 2022 report from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) shows that electric vehicles are 20 times less likely to result in fires. The data reported that there have been just 23 EV fire incidents, representing just 0.004% of Sweden’s total fleet of 611,000 electric cars. In comparison, there have been 34,000 fires from the 4.4 million petrol and diesel cars – or 0.08%.

The “Guidance for AFVs carriage in ro-ro spaces” report states that a 20% charge limitation is recommended to ensure minimum basic driving and operation of the vehicle. This will also cover dwell time at the port, vessel load, discharge operations, and enough charge to travel to an EV charging facility near the port.

FAQs:

Q: Why are ferry companies banning electric vehicles?
A: Ferry companies are banning electric vehicles due to fire safety fears. A fire on the MS Pearl of Scandinavia in 2010 was caused by a short circuit in an extension cable connected to a socket on the dock.

Q: Which ferry companies have banned electric vehicles?
A: DFDS, Stena Line, and Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferries have banned electric vehicles.

Q: Can I still charge my electric vehicle on a ferry?
A: No, you will not be able to charge your electric vehicle on a ferry. Some ferry companies may have onboard EV charging facilities, but these are limited.

Q: Why are some ferry companies limiting the charge on electric vehicles?
A: Ferry companies are limiting the charge on electric vehicles to prevent fires from occurring. A study by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) found that if an electric vehicle has a charge lower than 30%, the rate of thermal runaway is dramatically reduced.

Conclusion:

As the use of electric vehicles continues to rise, ferry companies are taking steps to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. While banning electric vehicles may seem drastic, it is a necessary measure to prevent fires from occurring. If you are planning to take a ferry with an electric vehicle, be sure to check with the ferry company beforehand to see if they have any specific requirements or restrictions.