Why Carrefour Belgium Is Limiting Electric Cars on Rooftop Parkings
In a bold move, Carrefour supermarkets across Belgium have started directing electric vehicle (EV) drivers to ground-level spots in around 40 locations. Elevated parking areas, once open to all, are now primarily reserved for gasoline and diesel cars. This policy shift has sparked debates among shoppers and EV owners alike, highlighting growing tensions between the rise of heavier electric cars and aging infrastructure.
The Core Issue: Extra Weight from Batteries
Carrefour Belgium’s spokesperson points to a key difference: EVs typically weigh about 30% more than comparable gas or diesel models. This added heft comes almost entirely from their large battery packs. Many multi-story parkings at these stores were built decades ago, engineered for lighter vehicles of that era. Today’s EVs, like the Tesla Model Y at around 4,400 pounds or the Volkswagen ID.4 at over 4,500 pounds, push these structures closer to their limits.
Practical Tip for EV Drivers: Before heading to a store, check online forums or apps like PlugShare for user reports on parking restrictions. Apps such as Waze can also flag unusual parking rules at shopping centers.
Carrefour isn’t planning immediate upgrades but is monitoring the situation for potential reinforcements down the line.
Fire Safety Concerns Add Another Layer
Beyond weight, there’s worry about battery fires. If an EV catches fire on a rooftop, firefighters face steeper challenges: limited access routes, the need for specialized foam or equipment for lithium-ion blazes, and the risk of water runoff affecting lower levels. While EV fires are statistically less common than those in traditional cars—about 25 per 100,000 EVs sold vs. 1,530 for gas cars per the same metric—their intensity can complicate response times in hard-to-reach spots.
This rule applies selectively to specific stores with older designs, suggesting it’s about site-specific vulnerabilities rather than a blanket EV issue.
A Stark Contrast with France
Just across the border, Carrefour France takes a different tack. Their few elevated parkings are built to handle heavier loads, and the chain is expanding EV support with over 550 charging stations offering up to 300 kW speeds. This encourages electric drivers to shop longer, turning stores into charging hubs. French EV owners enjoy perks like reserved spots near entrances, boosting customer loyalty.
Actionable Insight: If you’re in France, use Carrefour’s store locator to find locations with fast chargers—perfect for topping up during grocery runs.
What Experts Say About Parking Capacities
Engineering analyses, such as those from structural consultancies, affirm that most modern parkings have safety margins covering even all-EV scenarios. The real pinch points? Decades-old slabs showing wear, poor maintenance, or those never inspected post-SUV boom. Notably, heavy gas SUVs like the Ford Expedition (over 5,700 pounds) or Toyota Sequoia rival or exceed many EVs in weight.
Example Comparison:
- Tesla Model 3: ~3,800 lbs
- Chevy Tahoe (gas SUV): ~5,600 lbs
The lesson? Focus should be on comprehensive structural audits, regardless of fuel type. Retailers could start with simple load tests or visual inspections to reassure all drivers.
Looking Ahead as EVs Proliferate
With Europe’s EV market surging—Belgium saw sales jump 50% last year—this policy underscores the need for infrastructure catch-up. Shoppers can advocate by sharing feedback with stores, while owners might opt for ground-level parking proactively in older facilities. Carrefour’s approach, though controversial, prompts vital discussions on safety without halting the green transition.
In essence, it’s less about banning EVs outright and more about matching vehicles to venue capabilities in a changing automotive landscape.
