Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association ISSN:2233-8292(Print) 2287-4747(Online) 한국터널지하공간학회 논문집

Due to the globally intensifying environmental issues, the mobility environment on roads is rapidly transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to eco-friendly vehicles. Among these, electric vehicles (EVs) are seeing a rapidly increasing market share. Concurrently, the government is planning and promoting underground expressways to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the efficient utilization and connectivity of the ground level. Therefore, EV traffic is expected to increase significantly when these underground expressways, characterized by their ultra-long and deep-level nature, are built and operational. Securing fire safety for eco-friendly vehicles, particularly EVs, in these tunnels is absolutely essential. In this study, to establish plausible EV fire risk scenarios within underground expressways, we analyzed domestic and international EV fire accident statistics and preceding research results. Based on this analysis, we proposed a strategic direction for developing fire scenarios categorized by EV-specific risk factors.