- Officials in South Korea are reportedly planning to hold an emergency meeting to discuss electric vehicle fires.
- The move comes shortly after a Mercedes EV burst into flames in an underground parking garage.
- That incident reportedly injured 23 people and damaged around 140 vehicles.
Electric vehicle fires are a fact of life and they’re a serious problem as they’re hard to deal with. South Korea knows this all too well and their Ministry of Environment will reportedly hold an emergency meeting to discuss a rash of fires.
The move comes shortly after a Mercedes EQE burst into flames in an underground parking garage at an Incheon apartment complex. The Japan Times says the ensuing blaze damaged approximately 140 vehicles, sent 23 people to the hospital, and resulted in more than 700 residents being evacuated.
More: Mercedes EV Bursts Into Flames In Parking Lot, Causes Extensive Damage
This incident has reportedly pushed some buildings to prevent EVs from using their parking structures. However, it appears caution is far more common than outright bans.
Getting back to the latest developments, Reuters is reporting the government will announce “comprehensive measures regarding EV fires soon.” This could come as early as next month and reports suggest the new rules could require automakers to disclose who provides batteries for their electric vehicles.
If correct, it seems like part of an effort to point the blame at Chinese firms such as Farasis Energy, which reportedly made the battery for the self-immolating Mercedes. Of course, South Korea’s own automakers aren’t immune to fires as Hyundai and Kia vehicles have also been known to go up in flames.