South Korea Advises Automakers to Disclose EV Battery Information Amid Safety Concerns

The South Korean government is advising automakers to disclose the manufacturers of batteries used in their electric vehicles following a series of fires that have raised safety concerns. This initiative aims to reduce public anxiety and provide consumers with more information, though its effectiveness in improving safety is debated.

The South Korean government has issued an advisory urging automakers to disclose the manufacturers of batteries used in their electric vehicles, an official statement revealed on Tuesday. This move is aimed at addressing growing public safety concerns following a series of fires involving electric vehicles.

The advisory encourages car makers to voluntarily share battery information to alleviate fears over EV fires. Until now, battery details had not been made public, which further intensified anxiety among electric vehicle owners, according to the Office of Government Policy Coordination.

In response, companies such as Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp, BMW Korea, and Mercedes-Benz Korea have started revealing the battery manufacturers for their cars. Public alarm has escalated since an EV fire in an underground parking lot on August 1 caused significant damage, highlighting the need for greater transparency. Experts, however, remain skeptical about whether this measure will effectively enhance safety, citing a lack of conclusive data on battery fire susceptibility.

(With inputs from agencies.)