- Manufacturers will need approval from local authorities to confirm their batteries meet local safety standards.
- Korean authorities will also prevent EVs with a battery charge over 90% from entering underground parking garages.
South Korea is taking further steps to quell fears among locals about electric vehicle fires by mandating car manufacturers to disclose their battery suppliers and introducing a new battery certification scheme.
Over the weekend, the Korean government and the conservative People Power Party (PPP) revealed they would introduce the new battery certification program in October, as opposed to February 2025 when it was initially due to be implemented. This will require manufacturers to get approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to confirm their products conform to local safety standards. Previously, this had only been voluntary.
Read: Korea To Ban Fully Charged EVs From Parking Garages After Massive EQE Blaze
Manufacturers must also identify where their batteries come from. Speaking with Reuters, industry sources say local battery makers have no reason to oppose this measure, but warned the public should not always assume the batteries are to blame for electric vehicle fires. Additionally, concerns have been raised that providing this information won’t help consumers, as there’s no definitive data that indicates which battery brands are more prone to catch fire.
Further steps are being taken to make EVs safe. Korea JoongAng Daily says the number of smart chargers that prevent EVs from overheating will be expanded to 90,000 units by the end of 2024. Underground parking areas will also need to be installed with new wet pipe sprinkler systems.
These new regulations are being introduced weeks after a Mercedes-Benz EQE burst into flames at an apartment’s underground parking garage. The blaze quickly spread and damaged or destroyed as many as 140 vehicles. It also left 1,600 households without electricity and water for a week and triggered public panic.
Last week it was revealed Korean authorities are preparing rules that will prevent EVs with a battery charge over 90% from entering underground parking garages. Rapid charging stations across Seoul may also be prevented from charging an EV beyond 80% capacity.
