Growing Attention Abroad as Well as Domestically
Concerns Spread Over Thermal Runaway and Fire Recurrence
The recent fire incident involving a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle at an apartment complex in Cheongna, Incheon, has significantly heightened public anxiety about electric cars. The fire, which broke out in an underground parking lot, damaged or scorched approximately 140 vehicles, resulting in property losses estimated at around 10 billion KRW. This has raised doubts about the safety of electric vehicles and even led to the emergence of a new term, 'electric vehicle phobia,' reflecting the fear surrounding EVs. This incident has sparked discussions on electric vehicle safety not only within Korea but also globally.
Electric Vehicle Fires Draw Attention Overseas
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In particular, China has shown great interest in this electric vehicle fire incident. As a country with active electric vehicle adoption, China has a strong preference for luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Chinese government is heavily promoting the electric vehicle industry, with various manufacturers, including Tesla, conducting large-scale production within China. Against this backdrop, the Mercedes-Benz EV fire has become a major topic in China as well, highlighting safety concerns related to underground parking facilities in major cities.
This incident could set a precedent for new regulations and standards in the global electric vehicle industry. Based on Korea's case, other countries may introduce stricter safety regulations for electric vehicles. This is expected to have a significant impact across the entire EV industry.
Different Fire Patterns by Vehicle and the Importance of Battery Location
According to findings from this incident, the pattern of electric vehicle fires can vary greatly depending on the vehicle. For example, in the Mercedes-Benz fire case, the fire started near the battery pack located at the bottom of the vehicle, causing flames to rapidly spread upward. However, looking at overseas cases, it is common for fires to start at the front of the vehicle and spread backward. These differences can be attributed to the battery pack’s location and road conditions.
Korea’s road environment, characterized by many speed bumps and similar structures, makes electric vehicle batteries more susceptible to impact. This is especially critical for vehicles with battery packs located underneath. Such road environment characteristics play an important role in influencing the patterns of EV fire incidents within Korea.
Thermal Runaway Phenomenon and Risk of Fire Recurrence
One of the main causes of electric vehicle fires is the 'thermal runaway' phenomenon. Thermal runaway occurs when the temperature inside the battery rises rapidly, leading to a fire that is difficult to extinguish and can even reignite after being put out. There have been cases where an EV fire reignited a week after the initial fire was extinguished. This demonstrates the possibility of chemical substances inside the battery reigniting.
As such, once an electric vehicle fire occurs, the damage can spread extensively, and there is a risk of recurrence even after the fire is fully extinguished. This risk causes significant anxiety among EV owners and undermines trust in the safety of electric vehicles.
The Importance of Firefighting Facilities Like Sprinklers
A notable point in this incident is that the electric vehicle fire was not solely a problem of the vehicle itself. The main reason for the extensive damage was the failure of firefighting facilities such as sprinklers to operate properly. Because the sprinklers did not activate, the fire spread rapidly, resulting in damage to about 140 vehicles.
In a previous case of an underground apartment EV fire in Gunsan, sprinklers functioned normally and the fire was extinguished within 45 minutes. This shows that the operation of firefighting facilities is a critical factor in determining the scale of fire damage. Therefore, when discussing electric vehicle fire issues, the maintenance and management of firefighting facilities must be emphasized.
Concerns Over Chinese Batteries and Technological Issues
This incident has further amplified concerns about Chinese-made batteries installed in electric vehicles. The battery in the Mercedes-Benz vehicle involved was a Chinese Parasis battery, which is generally considered to have relatively lower technological reliability worldwide. The problem was particularly related to the reliability of the ternary battery (NCM) installed in this vehicle.
Ternary batteries are composed of NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) or NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) and have high energy density, which helps increase the driving range of electric vehicles. However, Chinese-made ternary batteries are considered technologically inferior compared to Korean-made ones, and this technological gap is believed to have contributed to reliability issues in this incident.
On the other hand, Chinese companies show strengths in LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries. Although LFP batteries have somewhat lower energy density, they are known for relatively higher fire safety. Some global companies, including Tesla, have adopted LFP batteries, and the market share of LFP batteries in the electric vehicle battery market is expected to increase in the future.
The Importance of Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Challenges for the German Big Three
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The importance of Battery Management Systems (BMS) in preventing electric vehicle fires is being emphasized. BMS monitors the battery’s condition and issues warning messages to prevent fires when abnormalities occur. There is a possibility that the BMS did not function properly in this incident, putting the technical capabilities of electric vehicle manufacturers under scrutiny once again.
In the era of internal combustion engine vehicles, the engine and transmission were the core components, but with the advent of electric vehicles, the battery and BMS have become key technologies. However, the German Big Three (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi) are evaluated as lagging behind in battery and BMS technology due to their delayed response to the EV transition.
In contrast, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia have strengthened their BMS technology to ensure electric vehicle safety, which serves as an important factor in enhancing competitiveness in the EV market. Hyundai recently emphasized in a press release related to BMS that its system has a technological advantage capable of preventing fire accidents. Thus, BMS technology is emerging as a crucial competitive element for EV manufacturers to secure safety and gain consumer trust.
Government Response Measures and Policy Challenges
The government is preparing various measures to prevent electric vehicle fires. One such measure is limiting the charging rate to 80-90%. Since higher charging rates can increase the risk of fire, limiting the charging rate aims to enhance safety. However, this has caused dissatisfaction among consumers as it may reduce driving range. Driving range is a critical factor in EV purchasing decisions, so there are concerns that charging rate limits could infringe on consumer rights.
For slow chargers, there is an issue where current continues to flow even after charging is complete, increasing the risk of fire due to overcharging. To address this, the government is considering distributing slow chargers equipped with PLC modems.
Additionally, for apartments without above-ground parking lots, installing charging stations on the ground is difficult. This can cause conflicts among residents and requires mediation by the government and local authorities. These issues have emerged as new challenges that were not anticipated during the early stages of EV adoption. Especially in newly built apartments where above-ground parking space is limited, underground parking must be used, raising important questions about how to resolve safety issues related to EV charging.
The Need for Scientific Approaches and Research
Scientific approaches are essential to solving the problem of electric vehicle fires. The Ministry of Science and ICT is conducting research with a budget of 100 billion KRW aimed at extending the lifespan of secondary batteries and developing technologies to reduce fire risks. Alongside this, there is a call for research to identify the causes of EV fires clearly, as understanding the causes is necessary to improve the situation.
The battery industry has so far focused on increasing energy density, as higher energy density means larger battery capacity and longer driving range for electric vehicles. However, there is now growing recognition that safety must be secured alongside energy density. Developing safe batteries is emphasized as essential for the sustainable development of the electric vehicle industry.
Finding Opportunities Amid Crisis
Electric vehicle fires result from a complex interplay of technical, structural, and management issues. Along with advances in battery technology, strengthening management systems like BMS and proper installation and maintenance of firefighting facilities are necessary. It is time for the government, companies, and consumers to collaborate to create a safe electric vehicle environment. This incident is expected to serve as a catalyst for Korea to enhance its status as a battery powerhouse and play a leading role in the global electric vehicle market.
The issue of electric vehicle fires is not simply a problem of the vehicles themselves but arises from the complex interaction of various factors. Since battery technology, management systems, and firefighting facilities all interact to cause these problems, a multifaceted approach is required to resolve them. To find opportunities amid the crisis, it is important for all stakeholders in the electric vehicle industry to cooperate and work together to solve these issues.
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