Mercedes-Benz Korea has announced the supplier of its electric vehicle (EV) batteries following a recent incident in which one of its cars caught fire. On August 1st, a Mercedes-Benz electric car exploded in an underground parking lot in Incheon, causing a significant fire that destroyed or damaged 140 cars and the building itself. Some residents had to be relocated to shelters as a result.
Mercedes Korea revealed on August 13th that the vehicle involved in the incident, the model EQE 350, was equipped with a battery from Chinese manufacturer Farasis Energy. This disclosure comes after China’s BAIC Group recalled around 32,000 electric vehicles in 2021, citing concerns over fire risks associated with Farasis Energy’s batteries.
The incident at the parking lot has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles and their batteries. Industry experts and officials have weighed in on the matter to provide different perspectives on the issue.
Kang Sung-mo, an automotive engineering professor at Daechi University, emphasized the need for thorough investigations. “It is crucial to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether it is related to the battery or other factors,” said Kang. “Only then can we take appropriate measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.”
Concerns over the safety of electric vehicle batteries are not isolated to this incident. Lee Sang-hoon, an executive director at Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute noted that incidents involving EV fires have been reported globally. He stressed on rigorous safety standards and testing to address any potential risks.
Mercedes-Benz Korea has stated that it will cooperate fully with investigations into this incident. The company has also committed to taking appropriate measures ensuring safety of its vehicles and addressing any potential concerns.
In response to this incident, Farasis Energy expressed commitment towards working closely with Mercedes-Benz Korea for investigating cause behind fire and ensuring battery safety. The company also highlighted adherence towards global quality standards along with continuous improvement of products.
As investigations continue, this incident serves as reminder for importance of rigorous safety measures within electric vehicle industry while highlighting need for collaboration between manufacturers,suppliers,and regulatory bodies ensuring overall EV safety.
The incident at parking lot has undoubtedly shaken confidence among some consumers regarding EVs’ safety.However experts argue isolated incidents should not overshadow progress made enhancing EV technology’s reliability & Safety