Are Electric Vehicles Too Heavy for Multi-Storey Car Parks? 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are reshaping how we think about transport, with adoption in the UK accelerating year on year. But alongside benefits like lower emissions and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, EVs also bring new engineering challenges. Among these is whether existing infrastructure—particularly multi-storey car parks—can safely accommodate a rising number of heavier vehicles. 

Why EVs weigh more than petrol and diesel cars 

EVs are built differently to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The biggest factor is the battery pack. A typical EV battery weighs around 500kg, with some larger models exceeding this. To balance out that weight, manufacturers use reinforced frames and heavier safety components, pushing average EV weight above traditional cars. 

• Average EV weight: 2,276kg 

• Average ICE vehicle weight: 1,914kg 

That’s a difference of roughly 362kg per vehicle. With just a few EVs, the impact is negligible. But as EVs make up a greater share of UK traffic, the cumulative load across car park structures increases. 

Are car parks genuinely at risk? 

The UK has an estimated 6,000 multi-storey car parks, many of which were built during the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, cars were smaller and lighter, and long-term EV a doption was never anticipated. 

Chris Whapples, a structural engineer advising the government on new standards, has warned: “There definitely is the potential for some of the early car parks in poor condition to collapse.” 

However, he also notes that there is no immediate risk of widespread structural failures. The bigger issue is ensuring maintenance and upgrading load-bearing limits before EVs become the dominant share of UK road vehicles. 

How EV adoption is accelerating 

Sales data shows how quickly the landscape is changing: 

• 2018: 15,510 new EVs sold in the UK 

• 2022: 267,203 new EVs sold 

• 2035: Ban on new petrol and diesel cars set to take effect under the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate 

This transition means that within a decade, the majority of cars using Britain’s car parks will be electric. Without updates, older car parks—already showing signs of age—may struggle under the extra pressure. 

Updating safety standards 

Currently, multi-storey car parks are designed for a loading limit of 2.5 kilonewtons per square metre (kN/m²). New government-backed guidance recommends raising this to 3 kN/m² to reflect the reality of heavier EVs. 

Upgrading older buildings will involve: 

• Reinforcement or renovation – strengthening existing concrete and steel structures. 

• New builds – designing modern car parks with higher tolerances from the start. 

• Usage restrictions – in some cases, EVs may be limited to the ground floor or lighter vehicles only permitted on upper levels. 

These measures aren’t yet law, but they highlight how quickly infrastructure will need to adapt. 

A wider look at infrastructure pressure 

This debate goes beyond car parks. Heavier EVs have knock-on effects for road surfaces, bridges, and even emergency recovery vehicles. Engineers and policy-makers are already discussing how to balance rapid EV adoption with infrastructure investment. 

For learners and professionals, understanding how safety standards adapt to new technologies is vital. Case studies like Dealing with Hazards 2 and Dealing with Hazards 3 illustrate how engineers and electricians must assess and mitigate risk in changing environments. 

What this means for the future 

For now, car parks remain safe to use, but the issue illustrates how EV adoption forces a rethink of long-standing assumptions. Engineers, architects, and local authorities will need to plan upgrades, while government sets clearer policy to standardise safety requirements. 

For individuals looking to join the industry, training routes such as Electrician Courses Sheffield and Electrician Courses Liverpool provide the grounding to work with new technologies like EV charging points, which will be central to the UK’s green transition. 

If you’re considering a future in electrical installation, renewable energy, or EV infrastructure, explore the full range of courses at Elec Training. Skilled electricians will be central to keeping the country’s vehicles moving safely in a low-carbon future. 

Why are EVs heavier than petrol and diesel cars? 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are heavier primarily due to the large lithium-ion battery packs that power them, which can weigh 500-1,000 kg or more, constituting up to 25% of the vehicle’s total weight. These batteries replace lighter fuel tanks and engines in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, but the overall design, including reinforced chassis for safety and additional features like regenerative braking systems, adds to the mass. For example, EVs require sturdier frames to protect the battery in crashes, further increasing weight. This is a trade-off for longer range and performance, but it raises concerns for infrastructure adaptation. Elec Training notes that understanding these differences is key for electricians installing charging points, as heavier vehicles may influence home garage setups. 

How much heavier is the average EV compared to a traditional ICE vehicle? 

The average EV is about 10-30% heavier than a comparable ICE vehicle, with EVs typically weighing 1,500-2,500 kg versus 1,200-1,800 kg for ICE models. For instance, a compact EV like the Peugeot e-208 is nearly double the weight of its petrol counterpart, while larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer EV add 1,000-1,500 kg due to battery mass. In 2025, the average EV battery alone weighs around 1,000 pounds (454 kg), p ushing total curb weights higher. This gap is narrowing with lighter battery tech, but current models remain substantially heavier. Elec Training advises considering vehicle weight in infrastructure planning for EV charging installations. 

Do heavier EVs pose a risk to the structural safety of older car parks? 

Yes, heavier EVs pose a risk to older multi-storey car parks built before the 1980s, which were designed for lighter vehicles (around 1.5 tonnes per bay), potentially leading to overloading and structural strain or collapse if not assessed. Modern EVs averaging 2-3 tonnes exceed these limits, with experts warning of “implications for existing car parks weakened by deterioration.” However, the risk is mitigated in newer structures designed for up to 3 tonnes, and no widespread collapses have occurred yet. Elec Training recommends electricians collaborate with structural engineers when installing chargers in older buildings. 

Which UK car parks are most at risk from EV weight increases? 

Older multi-storey and underground car parks built in the 1960s-1970s are most at risk, particularly those in urban areas like London or Manchester with design loads for vehicles under 2 tonnes, now strained by EVs up to 3 tonnes. Structures with corrosion or inadequate reinforcement, such as those identified by the Institution of Structural Engineers, face heightened collapse potential. The British Parking Association calls for assessments of pre-2000 parks. Elec Training stresses risk evaluations for EV charger placements in such facilities. 

What have structural engineers said about the potential for car park collapses? 

Structural engineers warn that older car parks (pre-1970s) risk collapse from EV weights exceeding original 1.5-tonne designs, recommending urgent assessments and reinforcements, though no immediate widespread threat exists if maintained. The Institution of Structural Engineers updated guidance for 2-tonne loads, noting deterioration amplifies risks but proper checks prevent failures. U.S. experts echo concerns for garages, urging load recalculations. Elec Training incorporates engineer insights into infrastructure safety modules. 

How is EV adoption accelerating in the UK, and why does this affect infrastructure? 

EV adoption in the UK accelerated to 1.1 million vehicles by mid-2025 (up 22% YoY), with 16.5% of new sales electric, driven by ZEV mandates and incentives like 0% VAT on chargers—projected to reach 10 million by 2030. This strains infrastructure, requiring 300,000 public chargers by 2030 and upgrades to roads/bridges for heavier loads, with grid capacity and parking adaptations lagging. Elec Training prepares electricians for this via EV infrastructure courses. 

What are the current loading limits for multi-storey car parks, and how might they change? 

Current limits in UK multi-storey car parks are typically 2.5-3.0 kN/m² (about 2 tonnes per bay) per BS EN 1991-1-1, but older pre-1970s structures cap at 1.5 tonnes, risking overload from EVs. Changes may include raising to 3.0 kN/m² for new designs and retrofitting older ones, as per 2023 Institution of Structural Engineers guidance. Elec Training advises monitoring updates for safe charger installs. 

What measures could be taken to reinforce or adapt older car parks for EV use? 

Measures include structural assessments to identify weak points, reinforcing floors with carbon fiber or steel beams, weight restrictions (e.g., EV bans on upper levels), and installing fire suppression systems for battery risks. Phased upgrades like sensor monitoring and lighter materials could adapt parks cost-effectively. Elec Training collaborates with engineers on these for EV-integrated designs. 

Are EV weight concerns limited to car parks, or do they affect other infrastructure like roads and bridges? 

EV weight concerns extend to roads and bridges, where heavier vehicles accelerate wear (e.g., EVs add 20-30% pothole risk) and strain older structures, though UK bridges handle up to 44 tonnes, far above 2-3 tonne EVs. U.S. reports note minor impacts, but cumulative effects on roads could shave 1-2 years off lifespan. Elec Training includes infrastructure impact in EV training. 

What role can electricians and engineers play in adapting infrastructure for the EV transition? 

Electricians and engineers design compliant charging infrastructure, assess electrical loads for grids, r etrofit buildings with reinforcements, and ensure safety standards like BS 7671 for bidirectional systems. They optimize power distribution and integrate smart tech for efficiency. Elec Training’s programs certify pros for this role in the UK’s EV rollout.