19_FFG_BRAFA - Impact of vehicles with alternative propulsion systems under fire

Alternative propulsion systems, including battery-electric vehicles, are becoming more prevalent. Whilst such vehicles remain a small overall proportion of the vehicle fleet, the combination of impacts of Government policy and technological advances in alternative fuels is expected to accelerate their increase in numbers on the road and in tunnels in coming years. As a result of these changes, the nature of tunnel safety risk (including from fire) is expected to change with time and detailed consideration of the risk of significant incidents involving such vehicles is required. This should include the evaluation of incident consequences with particular attention paid to fire characteristics and toxic emissions and their impact on tunnel users and on emergency intervention strategies. This project collates currently available information on these issues, and will contribute strongly to future development.