Madrid Parking Lots Ban Electric Cars Due to Explosion and Fire Risk

Published on January 08, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
GIMP composition showing electric car banned in underground parking with danger signs and fire elements

When Sustainable Mobility Encounters Unexpected Barriers

Several public and private parking lots in Madrid have begun implementing restrictions for electric vehicles following recommendations from the capital's Fire Department. The measure, which has generated controversy among drivers' associations and sustainable mobility advocates, is based on the potential risk of explosive fire associated with lithium-ion batteries. These incidents, although statistically infrequent, present unique challenges for firefighting teams.

The main problem lies in the nature of electric battery fires, which can reignite hours or even days after being apparently extinguished and release highly flammable gases. In confined spaces like underground parking lots, a single affected vehicle could trigger a chain of fires that is difficult to control. The ban initially affects parking lots with limited ventilation and reduced exits.

The ecological transition encounters an unexpected obstacle underground

Preparing the Composition in GIMP

To represent this situation in GIMP, we begin by creating a new document with appropriate dimensions for editorial illustration. We set a resolution of 300 ppi to ensure quality in case of print publication. The initial color palette is based on cool tones for the parking environment, with warm elements to signal the fire danger.

We organize the layers logically from the start: background, structural elements, vehicle, signs, and special effects. This organization will facilitate later modifications and allow independent adjustments of opacities and blending modes. We create layer groups to maintain order in a project that will include multiple elements.

Building the Underground Parking Environment

The background is developed using digital painting tools and photographic textures. With the airbrush at medium pressure, we create the typical structure of a parking lot: columns, low ceilings, and parking markings on the floor. We use a single vanishing point perspective to generate depth and the characteristic sensation of confined space.

We apply noise and texture filters to simulate concrete, adjusting contrast levels to create that slightly gloomy atmosphere of underground parking lots. Dark areas are strategically intensified around the exits, reinforcing the idea of enclosed space and potential trap in case of fire.

Insertion and Treatment of the Electric Vehicle

We select a representative electric car model and carefully isolate it from the original background using the foreground selection tool. We adjust the color and brightness to integrate it naturally into the parking environment, slightly reducing saturation so it doesn't stand out excessively.

We apply specific lighting effects to the battery area (generally at the base of the vehicle), creating a subtle orange glow effect that suggests heat and latent risk. We use layer masks so this effect appears only in specific areas, maintaining the overall realism of the image.

Prohibition and Warning Signage

We design custom prohibition signs that combine the universal prohibited symbol with electric vehicle iconography and flames. We use vector shapes to ensure sharp edges, then apply shading and emboss effects to integrate them into the environment.

The signs are strategically placed at key points: at the parking entrance, above the vehicle itself, and on nearby columns. Each sign uses the Multiply blending mode to interact naturally with the ambient lighting, avoiding that pasted look common in digital compositions.

Imminent Risk and Danger Effects

The most dramatic element of the composition are the effects suggesting fire risk. Using custom smoke and spark brushes, we create faint columns of smoke emerging from the bottom of the vehicle. We adjust the opacity to make it suggestive without being exaggerated.

For the possible flames, we use Overlay and Soft Light blending modes with low-opacity flame brushes. The effect is concentrated around the wheels and battery area, creating that characteristic thermal runaway effect that concerns firefighters. We apply Gaussian blur to smooth the transition with the environment.

Informational and Contextual Elements

We incorporate elements that contextualize the news: an excerpt from the firefighters' report overlaid as if it were an abandoned document, electric vehicle fire statistics represented by simple charts, and press headlines about the controversy.

These elements are treated with selective blur effects and opacity reduction to inform without visually competing with the main message. We use typefaces that evoke official documents and press, maintaining legibility even in reduced sizes.

Final Adjustments and Atmosphere

We perform global color and contrast adjustments to unify all elements. We apply a Curves adjustment layer to slightly increase contrast in dark areas, reinforcing the atmosphere of suspense and latent danger. A subtle vignette layer directs attention toward the vehicle and prohibition signs.

The final noise filters add that grain texture that unifies all elements and gives cohesion to the composition. We export in appropriate formats for different uses, always keeping the original XCF file with all layers for possible future modifications.

It seems that in the war against climate change, Madrid's parking lots have declared a temporary truce... out of fear of involuntary fireworks 🔋