Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, August 31, 2024 – South Korea will expedite the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) battery certification program to address safety concerns following a series of fires involving EVs.
The government, in collaboration with the ruling People Power Party, has agreed to start the certification scheme in October, earlier than initially planned.
The decision comes after an August 1 fire in a Mercedes-Benz EV equipped with Farasis Energy batteries. The blaze, which took eight hours to extinguish, damaged or destroyed around 140 vehicles and forced residents in nearby apartments to evacuate.
This incident heightened public alarm and prompted authorities to take swift action to ensure EV safety.
The new rules will require automakers to identify the batteries used in their EVs, a measure intended to provide consumers with more transparency and choice. However, experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of this requirement in improving safety, citing the lack of definitive data linking specific battery brands to higher fire risks.
Additionally, the government will revise fire safety regulations, mandating the installation of wet pipe sprinkler systems in underground parking areas with EV charging stations. These measures aim to prevent overcharging and enhance overall fire safety in public spaces.
