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South Korea’s electric vehicle (EV) industry faces a growing crisis as recent incidents of EV battery fires have sparked widespread fear and distrust among consumers. The explosion of a Mercedes-Benz EV in an underground parking lot in Incheon has intensified concerns, triggering a wave of EV-phobia that threatens to derail the progress of Korean battery makers, who are already grappling with declining sales.
The Incheon incident, which left 140 vehicles damaged and 40 cars completely incinerated, highlights the dangers associated with EV batteries, particularly the risk of “thermal runaway.” This chain reaction, often caused by overcharging or battery damage, can lead to a fire reaching temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees Celsius. Such fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and have been known to reignite even after appearing to be under control.
The fear surrounding EV safety has led to an unprecedented backlash in South Korea. Many residential complexes, particularly those with underground parking lots, have begun relocating EV charging stations to outdoor areas. This precautionary move stems from the belief that EVs pose a higher fire risk than their gasoline-powered counterparts, despite data showing that internal combustion engines are more likely to catch fire. According to the Science & Technology Policy Institute, the rate of fires per 10,000 vehicles is 1.9 for traditional cars compared to 1.3 for EVs.
Globally, EV sales have surged by over 30%, adding pressure on the domestic market. Companies such as Hyundai and Kia, along with foreign manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, are now facing increased scrutiny over the safety of their batteries, particularly those sourced from China. The Mercedes-Benz EV involved in the Incheon fire was equipped with Chinese-made batteries, leading to further consumer disillusionment.
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport is considering new regulations that would require manufacturers to disclose detailed battery information. Currently, such transparency is not mandated, leaving consumers in the dark about the origins of the batteries powering their vehicles.