August 14, 2024 – Following a severe fire incident earlier this month, the South Korean government held a meeting on Tuesday, urging all automobile manufacturers to voluntarily disclose detailed battery information for their electric vehicles (EVs). This information has traditionally been considered confidential within the industry.
The incident, which occurred in Incheon, involved a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric car that exploded in an underground parking garage, triggering a fire that damaged 880 vehicles and disrupted power and water supplies to nearly 500 households for a week.
In South Korea, EV companies have historically been reluctant to publicize detailed information about battery manufacturers, leaving consumers to rely on media reports or direct inquiries to the automakers. However, some companies have been less than forthcoming with specific details.
In response to the government’s recommendation, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW have made their battery information public on their Korean websites. BMW stated that among the 11 models it sells in South Korea, two use CATL batteries, while the remaining nine are equipped with Samsung SDI cells.
Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, revealed that it sources its battery cells from multiple manufacturers but produces all EV batteries at its 100% owned subsidiary. The company primarily sources its cells from SK on in Korea, CATL and Farasis in China, and older models use LG cells.
This new level of transparency is expected to enhance consumer confidence in EVs and could potentially lead to improved safety standards in the industry.