South Korea recently saw three electric vehicle (EV) fires occur within less than a month, leading to an "EV phobia" in the local market. This situation has caused a decline in both new and used car prices.
According to foreign media reports, the first incident took place on August 1 in Incheon, where a Mercedes-Benz EV spontaneously combusted. The flames spread, ultimately damaging 140 vehicles.
Not long after, similar combustion incidents occurred in a Kia and a Tesla EV. These incidents didn't just heighten awareness among local fire departments; the Incheon government even called on automakers to disclose the battery brands used in their EVs. They are also considering a regulation that will prohibit EVs with more than 90% battery from entering underground parking lots.
The occurrence of three such incidents in just a month has left EV owners and nearby residents anxious. According to data from Korea's top user car sales platform K Car, the number of EVs listed for sale on the platform increased by 184% in the week following the Incheon fire.
Automakers were already offering various discounts to revive the declining demand for EVs. For instance, the price of the Audi e-tron 55 quattro was reduced by more than 29%, and the BMW iX model saw a 12% price drop. These unfortunate fire incidents have only further fueled the instability of the EV market.
Industry sources pointed out that the key to battery safety is dependent on managing charge levels and temperature. In particular, over-discharging or overloading lithium batteries can increase risks. Additionally, when the charge level exceeds 80%, the accumulation of heat puts even more pressure on the battery and high-voltage wiring systems.
This concern is why the Incheon government is considering prohibiting EVs with more than 90% charge from entering underground parking lots. In response to these incidents, industry sources emphasize the need for continuous improvements in battery and Battery Management System (BMS) technologies. The safety measures in parking lots and repair shops also need constant upgrades.
Given that more and more car brands are introducing EV models, there is an increasing demand for EV maintenance. Some repair shops are now setting up dedicated EV observation zones, where an EV is first placed in a specific area for some time to ensure that there are no fire risks before entering the main repair facility. Additionally, there are proposals to install thermal imaging cameras, fire blankets, and low-pressure water mist systems in parking lots to help control fires the moment they occur.
