Fire safety and risk assessment of electric vehicles (EVs) in enclosed space

Summary

Global production of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown rapidly, reaching nearly 22 million units in 2025, to achieve low-carbon transportation and significantly reduce traffic-related atmospheric pollutant emissions. Whilst EV fires are rare and significantly less frequent than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) ones, the resulting damage is often much more severe due to the intense heat and production of toxic gases due to the chemical reaction of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

Few researchers studied burning behaviour and gas production of full-scale EV fire tests in open environment. However, the effects of compartment refinement on fire propagation and gas production of EV fires were rarely investigated.

Currently, the main fire protection and risk management of EVs in enclosed spaces still replies on: (i) ventilation, (ii) fire detection, notification and suppression and (iii) increased ceiling height. There is, however, yet any established guidance that considers the additional risks possessed by EVs in enclosed spaces and the fire safety.

To address this lack of knowledge, this project is aimed at investigating the fire safety and risk assessment of EVs in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces (carparks and tunnels).

This will be achieved primarily by using advanced computer models for predicting fire development, smoke movement and gas production and accumulation of EV fires in encloses spaces. The production of toxic gases from burning of LIB battery cells will be measured in small-scale tests and then used as input to the computer model to predict their production and dispersion in enclosed spaces.

This project can contribute to the assessment of the validity of existing guidance and the optimal design of fire protection and suppression systems (ventilation and sprinklers) in such spaces. The successful candidate will work along other post-doc and PhD researchers in various aspects of fire testing and numerical modelling.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of no more than 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD Scholarships are available for this project and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

To be eligible for these scholarships applicants must: be a UK or Irish national; or have pre-settled or settled status; or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme i.e. September 2027.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year, or part-time equivalent, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.