"Called a 'Potential Murderer' for Parking Underground"…Electric Vehicle Conflict Crosses the Line

Apartment Residents Receive Abusive Language for Driving Electric Cars
Some Parking Lots Display 'No Electric Vehicle Entry' Notices

Amid the intensifying 'electric vehicle phobia' following a recent fire at an apartment complex in Seo-gu, Incheon, controversy has arisen as some electric vehicle drivers have been subjected to verbal abuse and collective ostracism within their apartment community. Electric vehicle driver Mr. A recently posted on an online cafe's electric vehicle free board, claiming that he was called a 'potential murderer' by residents simply because he parked his electric vehicle in the underground parking lot. He also revealed conversations from the residents' group chat.

On the 8th, as electric vehicle fires continue to occur, interest in electric vehicle safety is growing. At the entrance of an underground parking lot in Incheon, a notice prohibiting electric vehicles from entering is posted.
[Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@]

In the KakaoTalk messages disclosed by Mr. A, residents in the group chat harshly criticize electric vehicle owners, saying things like, "That's right. I really don't understand what people driving electric cars are thinking," "They prioritize their convenience and saving money at the expense of others' lives," and "I want to kick out all the electric cars in the underground parking." When Mr. A protested, saying, "But we are all residents here; how can you say that? What about those who drive electric cars?" one resident retorted, "No one forced them to buy these cars, but they purchased them knowing the risks. They are selfish people."

When Mr. A responded, "Your words are harsh," another resident raised their voice, "Don't argue like this; if you drive an electric car, just keep quiet. Do you want to cause trouble and then argue back like this?" Mr. A lamented, "I am the only one parking an electric car in my building. Is it right to be criticized like this just because I drive an electric car?"

The problem is not limited to Mr. A's apartment complex. Opinions among netizens who read the story were divided. Some commented, "Driving an electric car is not a crime," "The problem lies with the manufacturers who sell poorly made electric cars, not the buyers," and "They even provided subsidies, but now only electric vehicle owners are being blamed." On the other hand, some netizens wrote, "Honestly, I understand the residents' feelings," and "I consciously avoid places where electric cars are charging these days."

Government Recommends 'Battery Information Disclosure'... Will 'Electric Vehicle Phobia' Subside?

This 'electric vehicle phobia' was triggered by a large fire that occurred on the 1st of this month in the underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon. An explosion from an electric vehicle in the underground parking led to a fire, causing 23 residents and others to inhale smoke and be hospitalized. Additionally, 87 vehicles were burned, and 783 were scorched. Underground facilities and piping melted, resulting in power outages and water supply disruptions.

On the 8th, as electric vehicle fires continue to occur, interest in the safety of electric vehicles is growing. At the entrance of an underground parking lot in Incheon, a notice prohibiting electric vehicles from entering is posted. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

As controversy over electric vehicles grew, the government held a 'Vice Ministers' Meeting of Related Ministries to Establish Measures to Strengthen Electric Vehicle Safety Management' on the 13th at the Government Seoul Office, chaired by Bang Gi-seon, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and announced measures to alleviate public anxiety. First, the government recommended that all electric vehicle manufacturers voluntarily disclose battery information for electric vehicles sold domestically. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as of that day, 11 out of 14 electric vehicle manufacturers and importers agreed to disclose their battery manufacturers.

Notably, Mercedes-Benz Korea, the manufacturer of the vehicle involved in the Incheon fire, reversed its previous stance of "not disclosing supplier information" and disclosed the battery manufacturers for eight of its electric vehicle models on that day. Among these, five models were equipped with Chinese Farasis batteries, which were involved in the recent fire. According to the Korea Imported Automobile Association, a total of 5,582 vehicles equipped with this battery were sold up to July this year. Tesla, General Motors (GM), and Volkswagen, which have not announced a policy on battery manufacturer disclosure, plan to decide on disclosure after consultations with their headquarters.