In a significant move towards enhancing electric vehicle (EV) safety, the South Korean government has mandated the disclosure of EV battery manufacturers, a rare step for automakers who typically keep such information confidential. The initiative follows rising concerns over EV safety, particularly after a recent fire incident involving a Mercedes-Benz sedan that led to the evacuation of 200 families.
The government will expedite the implementation of a certification system for EV batteries, moving the start date from February 2025 to October. This includes expanding the range of EV battery inspections to mandatory car inspections, which owners must undergo regularly. Additionally, there will be an increase in insurance requirements for EV manufacturers and battery charging operators.
To bolster safety measures in parking garages, newly constructed buildings will be required to install wet sprinklers in underground parking lots, while existing structures will see reinforced inspections of their sprinkler systems. The government will also enhance fire-fighting resources at fire stations and has urged automakers like Hyundai and Kia to equip older EV models with battery management systems and provide free updates for those already installed.