South Korea Moves to Address EV Fire Concerns

South Korea's government is urging automakers to disclose battery information used in electric vehicles to calm public safety concerns following a series of EV fires. The initiative follows a significant fire in Incheon, sparking broader worries about EV safety. Major carmakers and experts discuss the implications and steps forward.

South Korea's government has announced plans to urge automakers to disclose specific battery information used in their electric vehicles. This move comes amid growing public safety concerns following a spate of EV fires, including a recent incident in Incheon that caused extensive damage to an underground parking lot.

The policy aims to reduce anxiety among EV owners by making battery data public, according to a statement from the government's policy coordination office. The Incheon blaze, which involved a Mercedes-Benz EV with Farasis Energy batteries, lasted eight hours and destroyed or damaged approximately 140 cars.

Several car companies have begun to name their battery suppliers. Hyundai Motor and Genesis EVs use batteries from LG Energy Solution, SK On, and CATL. Kia noted its batteries mostly come from LGES and SK On. Mercedes-Benz and BMW also disclosed their battery suppliers. Experts believe transparency will aid consumer choice, though it may not immediately solve safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)