In the global automotive industry's transition to electrification, the safety of electric vehicles has been a major concern for consumers and manufacturers alike. Korea, a major player in the global EV market, has recently demonstrated its leadership in improving transparency and safety in the industry by responding to EV safety challenges through a series of proactive measures.
Electric Vehicle Safety Accidents in Korea: Trigger Points
In August 2024, a serious electric vehicle fire accident in Incheon, Korea, sparked widespread public concern about the safety of electric vehicles. A Mercedes-Benz EQE electric car spontaneously combusted in an underground parking lot, causing damage to 880 vehicles and a one-week interruption of electricity and water supplies to nearly 500 homes. This incident not only exposes the potential safety risks of electric vehicles, but also highlights the problem of opaque battery information.
The government's response: It is recommended to make battery information public
In the face of growing public concerns, the Korea government moved quickly to recommend that all automakers voluntarily disclose battery details in electric vehicles. Previously, this information was often treated as a trade secret. The government's proposal is a direct response to the safety of electric vehicles and an important step towards greater transparency in the industry.
The positive response of car companies: setting the industry benchmark
In response to the government's proposal, brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have published battery information on their Korea official websites. BMW said that two of its 11 models sold in Korea use CATL batteries, while the remaining nine use Samsung SDI cells. Mercedes-Benz procures battery cells from a number of manufacturers, and all EV batteries are produced by its wholly-owned subsidiary, mainly from SK on, CATL and Funeng Technology, and LG batteries are used in older models.
Figure: Battery information for some models that have been disclosed
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, between 2013 and 2022, there were 1,400 fires in underground parking lots in Korea, of which more than 43.7% of the fires were attributed to vehicle fires. More than 53% of vehicle fires are based on electrical sources. These data examples clearly show that the safety of electric vehicles cannot be ignored.
Comments & Opinions: A balance between security and transparency
The Korea government's proposal and the positive response of car companies reflect the balance between electric vehicle safety and information transparency. Disclosure of battery information not only boosts consumer confidence, but also helps to quickly locate and act on safety issues in the event of a safety issue. However, information disclosure also brings new challenges, such as the protection of trade secrets and the analysis of competitors' strategies.
Global Perspectives: China's Experience
Compared with the international market, the Chinese market benefits from an earlier layout and a higher market share, and the relevant policies are more detailed in the specification of the safety of electric vehicle power batteries. For example, in 2020, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) issued three mandatory national standards for electric vehicles, including thermal diffusivity tests for battery systems, requiring that the battery system must not catch fire or explode within five minutes of thermal runaway of the battery cell.
Epilogue
The Korea government's recommendations and the actions of car companies have set a new benchmark for safety and transparency in the global EV industry. As the electric vehicle market continues to mature, it is expected that more countries and enterprises will join this action in the future to jointly promote the healthy development of the electric vehicle industry. In this process, safety, transparency, and innovation will be key factors that will move the industry forward. Let's look forward to a safer, more transparent, and more innovative era of electric vehicles.
