In response to growing public safety concerns, South Korea is pushing automakers to disclose information about the batteries used in their electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes after a recent EV fire in Incheon that caused extensive damage to an underground parking lot.
The South Korean government announced on Tuesday that it would advise car manufacturers to voluntarily reveal battery details to help alleviate fears among EV owners. This decision follows an incident on August 1, where a Mercedes-Benz EV caught fire in an underground parking facility, damaging approximately 140 cars and forcing nearby residents to evacuate.
The fire, which took eight hours to extinguish, has sparked a national debate about EV safety. In response, some apartment complexes have implemented restrictions on EVs in underground parking areas and shut down charging stations.
Several automakers have already begun disclosing battery supplier information. Hyundai Motor and Genesis reported using batteries from LG Energy Solution, SK On, and CATL. Kia Corporation stated that most of its EV batteries come from LGES and SK On, with some models using CATL batteries. Mercedes-Benz Korea revealed that it primarily uses batteries from CATL and Farasis Energy, with some from LGES and SK On.
The government plans to conduct emergency inspections of fire-fighting equipment in multi-unit residential buildings to address residents' concerns. Additionally, they will offer free inspections for EV owners to ease fire-related worries.
Experts note that EV fires pose unique challenges compared to conventional vehicle fires, often burning longer and being more difficult to extinguish due to the risk of reignition. Some industry professionals suggest that while battery disclosure is a step in the right direction, more advanced battery management systems with sophisticated early warning capabilities are necessary to fully address safety concerns.
As South Korea continues to be a major producer of batteries and electric vehicles, with EVs accounting for 9.3% of new car purchases last year, the government's push for transparency in the EV industry aims to maintain public trust and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.