Greater electric vehicle battery transparency could be on the cards, following a devastating basement fire in Seoul, Korea. This incident highlights the fact that many developed countries don’t regulate the amount of electric vehicle battery information available to consumers. We are pleased to note that Korea has decided to enforce better EV battery information, and report on the local industry response.
Better EV Battery Information Benefits Local Industry
Korea Times confirms that local electric vehicle makers have begun disclosing the sources of their batteries. The reporter suggests that Korean battery companies ‘may gain the upper hand over their Chinese rivals’ as customers begin to receive better EV battery information:
- Hyundai says twelve-out-of-thirteen of its models use Korean LG and SK batteries. The sole exception is the CATL batteries in the Kona Electric.
- Kia also uses Korean LGEV and SK batteries for most of its models. Although some Ray EVs and the Niro EVs also source from CATL.
- BMW says it uses Samsung SDI’s products in eight out of 10 EV models. Although its iX1s and iX3s source their batteries from CATL.
- Mercedes Benz reports that it uses batteries from CATL and Farasis in fourteen out of sixteen of its electric vehicles
We wonder which battery makers will be winners as this breaking news reverberates in the ears of consumers. Right now Korean LG and SK seem to be stealing headlines.
So Are Korean Electric Car Batteries Better?
Korea Times speaks of ‘cautious optimism’ that local batteries ‘may gain the upper hand over their Chinese rivals’. We may not know the manufacturer of the batteries that ignited in the underground parking lot. But the battery industry needs to do everything to calm public concern over electric cars and their batteries.
Certainly one thing is evident, according to according to Korea Times. The pressure is on electric car makers to use top quality local batteries to reestablish public confidence. China’s recent move to consolidate its battery quality is an interesting sideshow to this story. We shall follow this evolving tale with interest.
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Electric Car Battery Secrets Coming Out
