South Korea to Enforce Mandatory Disclosure of Electric Vehicle Battery Information
Seoul,August 26, 2024 – The South Korean governmentis set to implement a mandatory disclosure policy for electric vehicle (EV) battery information, following a recent fire incident involving a Mercedes-Benz EV that raised concerns aboutconsumer safety.
The decision was made at a high-level meeting held on August 25th, involving the government, the presidential office, and theruling People Power Party. Han Ji-ah, the chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, announced the decision at a press conference.
The move comes in response to a fire incident that occurred on August 1st at an apartment buildingin Incheon, involving a Mercedes-Benz EV. The incident sparked public concern regarding the safety of electric vehicles, particularly the reliability of their batteries.
Currently, EV manufacturers are not obligated to disclose details such as the battery manufacturer. However, following the fire incident, public demand for transparency regarding EV battery information has intensified. Almost all EV manufacturers operating in South Korea have voluntarily disclosed such information.
The government’s new policy aims to address these concerns by making it mandatory for EV manufacturers to disclose crucial battery information, including the manufacturer and specifications. This moveis expected to enhance consumer confidence and provide greater transparency in the EV market.
In addition to the mandatory disclosure policy, the meeting also decided to accelerate the implementation of the power battery certification system, which was originally scheduled for a later date. This system will ensure that all EV batteries sold in South Korea meet stringent safety standards.
The government also plans to equip all fire stations nationwide with specialized firefighting equipment for electric vehicles. This will enhance the preparedness of firefighters in dealing with EV fires, which require different firefighting techniques compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Furthermore, the government intends to collaborate with the automotive industry to conduct annual free safety testsfor EV batteries. This initiative will provide an additional layer of safety assurance and help identify potential battery issues before they escalate.
The government’s decision to implement these measures reflects a growing awareness of the importance of EV safety and consumer protection. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the South Korean EV market,promoting greater transparency, accountability, and consumer confidence.
Background:
The fire incident in Incheon highlighted the potential risks associated with EV batteries. While EV fires are relatively rare, they can be more challenging to extinguish due to the high voltage and flammable nature of lithium-ion batteries.
The incident also raised concernsabout the lack of transparency surrounding EV battery information. Consumers often lack access to crucial details about the batteries powering their vehicles, making it difficult to assess potential risks and make informed purchasing decisions.
Implications:
The mandatory disclosure policy is expected to have several positive implications for the South Korean EV market:
- IncreasedTransparency: Consumers will have access to more detailed information about the batteries powering their EVs, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
- Enhanced Safety: The certification system and safety tests will ensure that only safe and reliable batteries are used in EVs sold in South Korea.
- Consumer Confidence: Greater transparency and safetymeasures will boost consumer confidence in the EV market, leading to increased adoption.
- Industry Accountability: The mandatory disclosure policy will hold EV manufacturers accountable for the safety and quality of their batteries.
The government’s proactive approach to EV safety is a significant step towards ensuring the sustainable growth of the EV market in SouthKorea. By prioritizing transparency, safety, and consumer protection, the government aims to create a more robust and reliable EV ecosystem.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240826001100881?section=news&input=rss
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