South Korea Implements Battery Certification to Address EV Fire Concerns
Introduction
South Korea is taking decisive action to address concerns about electric vehicle (EV) fires. In an effort to alleviate public fears, the Korean government has mandated car manufacturers to disclose their battery suppliers and has introduced a new battery certification scheme. These measures aim to ensure that EV batteries meet local safety standards and provide transparency regarding their origin.
Battery Certification Program
The Korean government and the conservative People Power Party (PPP) have accelerated the implementation of the battery certification program. Originally scheduled for February 2025, the program will now be enforced starting October. Under this scheme, manufacturers must seek approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to confirm that their products comply with local safety standards. This requirement was previously voluntary.
Disclosure of Battery Suppliers
As part of the new regulations, manufacturers are obligated to disclose the source of their batteries. While local battery makers have expressed no opposition to this measure, it is important to note that battery-related incidents do not solely indicate a fault in the batteries themselves. Experts caution against assuming that specific battery brands are more prone to catching fire without definitive data to support such claims.
Enhancing EV Safety Measures
South Korea is implementing additional measures to enhance EV safety. The number of smart chargers, which prevent EVs from overheating, will be increased to 90,000 units by the end of 2024. Furthermore, underground parking areas will be equipped with new wet pipe sprinkler systems to mitigate the risk of fires.
Recent EV Fire Incident
The urgency to address EV fire concerns was heightened by a recent incident involving a Mercedes-Benz EQE that caught fire in an underground parking garage. The fire quickly spread, damaging or destroying numerous vehicles and causing significant disruption to residents. This incident prompted the Korean authorities to take swift action in implementing stricter regulations.