Recent battery fires sparks even stronger "EV phobia" in Korea - New industry task force formed
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EV Fires in South Korea Spark Safety Push Amid Fears of “Battery Phobia”
A string of high-profile fires involving electric vehicles, e‑scooters, and portable lithium‑ion batteries in South Korea this summer has intensified public concern over battery safety — and prompted an unprecedented alliance between the nation’s top automakers and battery manufacturers.
According to the National Fire Agency, battery-related fires jumped from 49 in May to 67 in July 2025. Many incidents were linked to overcharging, defective chargers, or simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
Lithium‑ion batteries, used in everything from personal mobility devices to EVs, are prone to thermal runaway when exposed to heat, moisture, or impact.
Two recent fires underscored the risks:
- Aug. 17, 2025 – An e‑scooter battery fire in a Seoul apartment killed two people.
- Aug. 19, 2025 – A camping battery ignited in Dongducheon, injuring six from smoke inhalation.
These incidents follow earlier EV fires, including a Mercedes‑Benz blaze in Incheon in 2024 that damaged 140 vehicles and disrupted utilities for hundreds of homes, as reported by DW.
In response, Hyundai Motor, Kia, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On have formed a joint task force — a rare collaboration among fierce competitors — to develop and deploy advanced safety technologies. Their focus includes:
- Enhanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) to detect overheating early
- Immersion cooling to keep cells at safe temperatures during rapid charging
- Development of all-solid-state batteries for improved stability
- Standardized safety patents, digital battery passports, and improved firefighting methods for EV incidents
The South Korean government has also tightened safety rules, requiring manufacturers to disclose battery suppliers and key components, and accelerating the rollout of a national EV battery certification program.
Industry leaders warn that without visible safety improvements, consumer distrust could slow EV adoption. As SK On CEO Lee Seok‑hee put it:
“This collaboration marks a major leap forward in battery safety and quality.”
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