Electric vehicle fires in South Korea have raised concerns about safety, prompting the government to introduce new measures. Starting next month, key information about battery manufacturers and production techniques will be made mandatory. Additionally, the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Battery Certification System, originally scheduled for February next year, will now commence as a pilot project next month.
To enhance EV safety, the government plans to strengthen battery management by advancing the battery certification system and ensuring mandatory disclosure of critical battery information. Measures like free installation of battery management systems in older Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles without this feature will also be taken. In the long term, efforts will focus on improving battery stability through the development of additives for enhanced separator reliability and battery pack fire suppression technologies.
Further steps include expanding firefighting equipment deployment for EV fires and installing wet sprinklers in all new underground parking lots. The government aims to enhance safety features of EV charging facilities by increasing the distribution of smart controlled charging equipment by 2025. Moreover, requirements for fire-resistant materials in parking structures and the implementation of liability insurance for EV manufacturers and charging operators will be reinforced to protect consumers.
In conclusion, the government pledges to continuously improve regulations and systems to ensure the smooth implementation of these initiatives, with ongoing discussions through the “Underground Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Fire Safety Task Force” to address any remaining issues.
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