EV battery safety under scrutiny in S.Korea after major fire

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By Yomna Yasser
EV fire in South Korea 1
A firefighter checks the cars destroyed by a fire after an electric vehicle exploded inside an underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Incheon on Friday, August 2, 2024 (Photo Credit: Yonhap)

South Korea’s environment ministry is set to hold an emergency meeting next week to address growing concerns over electric vehicle (EV) fires. The meeting will focus on developing measures to prevent such incidents after a recent EV blaze caused significant damage.

Last week, the blaze, involving a Mercedes-Benz electric sedan with batteries made by Chinese company Farasis Energy, has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles. The blaze engulfed an underground parking garage of an apartment in the South Korean city of Incheon, according to media reports. It caused damages to numerous vehicles and several people got injured.

Mercedes-Benz Korea has expressed in a statement its full cooperation with authorities as they investigate the recent EV fire involving one of its vehicles.

Authorities are considering requiring EV manufacturers to disclose battery information, a move aimed at increasing transparency and accountability, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper cited an unnamed transport ministry official.

A Mercedes-Benz electric sedan exploded in an underground parking garage in Incheon last week, causing a major fire that resulted in injuries and extensive property damage. The blaze, which took over eight hours to extinguish, damaged nearly 150 vehicles and displaced dozens of residents. (Photo Credit: Yonhab)

 

Currently, automakers are providing authorities in South Korea with certain information about vehicles, such as fuel efficiency, but only limited details on batteries and do not have to name the manufacturers, the newspaper added.

As the EV market faces challenges, including slowing sales, the government’s response will be crucial in restoring consumer trust.

The ministry said the land and industry ministries will join Monday’s meeting as well as other state entities, such as the National Fire Agency.

The Korean government plans to unveil the new measures early next month, according to Yonhap news agency.

Data reveals surge in underground garage fires

Meanwhile, a report by Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters in a report released in February showed that 1,399 fires occurred in underground parking lots in South Korea between 2013 and 2022 with 43.7 per cent attributed to vehicles. The report said electrical sources accounted for 53 per cent of car fires in underground garages.

“A series of EV fires occurring in underground parking lots have been linked to growing consumer distrust of EVs, which could prolong the current EV downturn,” said Esther Yim, an analyst at Samsung Securities, urging the industry to come up with measures to reassure consumers.

Attribution: Reuters

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