South Korean officials convened on Monday to address rising safety concerns surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) following a significant fire in an underground garage that damaged an apartment complex.
The incident, which occurred on August 1, involved a Mercedes-Benz EV that reportedly caught fire spontaneously. The blaze led to the destruction or damage of approximately 140 vehicles and forced some residents to seek temporary shelter. Firefighters battled the flames for eight hours before finally extinguishing the fire.
In response to this alarming event and similar incidents, the government, led by the vice environment minister, is considering new safety regulations for EVs. One of the proposed measures includes requiring car manufacturers to disclose the brands of batteries used in their electric models. Representatives from the transport and industry ministries, along with the national fire agency, participated in the meeting. New safety rules are expected to be announced in the near future.
On Tuesday, the transport ministry is scheduled to hold discussions with automakers such as Hyundai Motor Group, Mercedes-Benz Korea, and Volkswagen Group Korea regarding the proposed battery disclosure requirements. As of now, neither the ministry nor the automakers have provided immediate comments on these developments.
The move reflects South Korea’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens as EV adoption continues to rise. The potential regulations aim to enhance transparency in the EV market and prevent future incidents by allowing consumers and authorities to be better informed about the vehicles’ battery components.
Industry experts and consumers alike are closely watching these developments, recognizing that increased safety measures could bolster public confidence in electric vehicles. The discussions and forthcoming regulations may also influence international standards as countries worldwide navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift to electric mobility.
Reference(s):
S. Korea considers new EV safety rules after underground garage fire
cgtn.com
