In response to a series of EV fires, the South Korean government and ruling party have agreed to expedite the implementation of an electric vehicle battery certification program. The program, originally scheduled for a later date, will now commence in October.
The decision to accelerate the certification process aims to address public safety concerns and ensure the safety of EV batteries. Additionally, the government has mandated that automakers operating in South Korea disclose the battery manufacturers used in their electric vehicles.
Following an EV fire incident on August 1, which involved a Mercedes-Benz EV with Farasis Energy batteries, the government urged carmakers to voluntarily disclose battery information. The fire, which lasted eight hours and caused significant damage, raised public concerns about EV safety.
While some car companies have already started voluntarily disclosing battery manufacturers, industry sources emphasize that batteries are not always the sole cause of EV fires. Experts believe that identifying battery manufacturers can provide consumers with more informed choices but may not necessarily address the underlying safety concerns due to the lack of definitive data on fire rates among different battery brands.
To enhance safety measures, the government plans to revise fire equipment regulations, requiring the installation of wet pipe sprinkler systems in underground parking spaces with EV charging stations. Additionally, chargers that prevent overcharging will be expanded.
Despite recent media coverage suggesting a higher incidence of EV fires, data indicates that electric vehicles are actually less prone to fires compared to conventional cars. However, EV fires often burn differently, lasting longer and being more difficult to extinguish due to their tendency to reignite.
(With Reuters Inputs)
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