Carmakers advised to disclose battery suppliers in EVs


The Korean government is set to issue an advisory urging all electric vehicle manufacturers in Korea to disclose their battery suppliers and provide free inspections to vehicle owners. This response comes after heightened concerns about EV safety following a significant fire in an underground apartment parking lot in Incheon. A high-level meeting chaired by Bang Ki-sun, the minister of government policy coordination, was held to address immediate actions to prevent further EV-related fires and reassure the public. As part of efforts to enhance transparency and safety, the government has recommended that automakers voluntarily disclose the battery manufacturers of their EVs. This move was prompted by the revelation that the luxury Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ involved in the Incheon fire was equipped with a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery made by Farasis, a lesser-known Chinese manufacturer with a history of battery recalls due to fire risks in China. In response to these concerns, Mercedes-Benz Korea and Hyundai-Kia have announced that they will offer free inspections for all EV owners at their service centers. The government plans to encourage all automakers in Korea to participate in this initiative, ensuring that free safety checks are available to every EV owner, regardless of the brand they drive. Additionally, emergency inspections of fire fighting facilities in underground parking lots are being planned to mitigate the risk of fires, particularly in larger buildings. These proactive steps are aimed at reassuring the public while the government develops a more detailed plan to prevent EV fires, expected to be announced next month. Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai-Kia have already initiated their free inspection programs, with technicians examining critical components to ensure the safety and reliability of EVs. The government's efforts are focused on addressing public concerns and ensuring the safety of electric vehicles in Korea.


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