Government to Meet Electric Vehicle Industry Next Week to Discuss Fire Safety Measures

Gathering Industry Opinions Ahead of Establishing Comprehensive Measures for Electric Vehicle Fire Incidents

The government plans to gather electric vehicle operators in the country as early as next week to hear their opinions on the current measures being pursued regarding electric vehicle fire incidents. This is to explore various perspectives while preparing countermeasures, such as encouraging the disclosure of battery manufacturer information.

On the 9th, a government official told this publication over the phone, "The relevant ministries plan to announce fire incident countermeasures in early next month, and we intend to carefully listen to opinions on whether there are any overlooked aspects in the regulatory adjustment process and how consumers and companies view the issue," adding, "The meeting will mainly include electric vehicle companies operating domestically and related associations."

On the morning of the 8th, police, fire department, the National Forensic Service, Mercedes-Benz officials, and others conducted a second joint inspection of the electric vehicle that caught fire on the 1st in the underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Cheongna at an industrial site in Seo-gu, Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Mercedes-Benz Korea, along with domestic and imported car manufacturers and the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association, are expected to participate in the meeting. Earlier this month, a fire broke out in a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric vehicle in an apartment parking lot in Incheon. Although the specific cause of the fire has not yet been revealed, there are emerging indications that the initial fire suppression was inadequate, causing the fire to spread to apartment facilities and vehicles parked nearby, increasing the damage.

While the government has not specifically disclosed the direction of the countermeasures, inside and outside the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other related ministries, there is talk of measures to make information about battery manufacturers and related data more actively accessible. Given that these are high-priced products worth tens of millions to hundreds of millions of won, electric vehicle buyers have long demanded clearer access to battery information. Domestic car manufacturers and some importers have disclosed major battery suppliers or battery cell manufacturers by model without much resistance. However, some companies have not disclosed such information citing trade secrets or headquarters directives.

While this is positive in terms of enhancing consumers' right to know, there are concerns about whether it will effectively reduce fire incidents. An industry insider said, "Contrary to initial reports, it was later revealed that Chinese batteries from small and medium-sized companies were used, which worsened public opinion," adding, "The increasing calls for a battery real-name system or mandatory disclosure of manufacturer information are in the same context."

On the morning of the 8th, police, fire department, the National Forensic Service, Mercedes-Benz officials, and others conducted a second joint inspection of the electric vehicle that caught fire on the 1st in the underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Cheongna, at an industrial site in Seo-gu, Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Making it mandatory to disclose battery manufacturer information can be done by revising subordinate laws such as the Enforcement Decree or Rules of the Automobile Management Act and can be changed by government will alone. However, this is typically considered a trade regulation and could lead to disputes between countries. In this context, there is also speculation that the government will establish a system that encourages companies to voluntarily disclose related information rather than forcing finished car companies to disclose it.

Additionally, discussions are expected on measures to preemptively identify fire risks for existing electric vehicles and improve the efficiency of firefighting facilities in parking lots. A representative from the Imported Automobile Association said, "Since the cause of the accident has not yet been determined and government measures have not been finalized, it is cautious to present a specific stance."