August 26, 2024 – Following a series of electric vehicle (EV) fires, the South Korean government and the ruling party have agreed to expedite the battery certification program, aiming to alleviate public concerns over safety, according to a report by Reuters.
The government spokesperson stated that the battery certification scheme, originally scheduled to commence later, will be launched in October to ensure the safety of EV batteries. Additionally, the authorities have mandated that automakers operating in the country must label the batteries used in their electric vehicles.
This decision comes after an EV fire on August 1st caused damage to hundreds of cars and sparked public panic. In response, the government urged car manufacturers to voluntarily disclose relevant information. Prior to this, stricter EV safety regulations had already been agreed upon. In recent days, some automakers have begun proactively releasing details about the battery manufacturers of their vehicles.
As part of enhanced safety measures, the government plans to revise fire equipment regulations. This includes installing wet pipe sprinkler systems in underground parking spaces with EV charging stations and expanding the use of chargers that prevent overcharging.
Although the risk of fire in EVs is lower than in traditional cars, experts warn that EV fires behave differently. They often burn for longer and are more difficult to extinguish due to the possibility of reignition. Earlier this month, a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric car caught fire in an underground parking lot in Seoul, triggering a blaze that damaged nearby vehicles and disrupted power and water supply to hundreds of households for a week.
To prevent similar incidents, the Seoul metropolitan government is drafting new regulations. These include banning EVs with battery levels exceeding 90% from entering underground parking facilities. Furthermore, fast-charging stations in Seoul will be subject to an 80% charging limit.
