Korean carmakers test electric cars for fire risk for free

According to the announcement on August 13, customers using any electric vehicle model from the three companies can use the service at service centers nationwide. The main parts of the vehicle will be inspected, including the cooling system, electrical system and insulation materials, the lower body and the battery.

Hyundai currently has an EV Every Care program, which allows any customer who buys its Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, and Ioniq 6 models to receive a new vehicle if their current vehicle is completely destroyed by an accidental fire within a year of delivery. Kia has a similar program to address customer concerns about electric vehicles.

Electric car fires have raised concerns in South Korea following the incident of a Mercedes electric car in an underground parking lot in Incheon, and another case in South Chungcheong Province.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has also taken steps to reduce the risk of similar accidents, such as advising against using fully charged electric vehicles in underground parking lots. Specifically, electric vehicles with a battery level of more than 90% are prohibited from entering underground parking lots in apartment complexes.

In addition, the city plans to allow automakers to set a 90% charging limit and issue charging limit certificates for corresponding electric vehicle models.