On August 1, a Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan exploded in the underground parking garage of an apartment complex, sparking a fire that injured about 20 people and damaged over 100 cars.
Investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Experts have suggested overcharging or initial defects in the EV batteries as potential causes.
The vehicle was found to be equipped with batteries from Chinese manufacturer Farasis Energy, rather than the initially assumed CATL batteries, the global number one battery maker.
Farasis Energy, ranked around the world’s 10th battery maker, had carried out a major recall in China in 2021 due to battery fire risks.
"It feels like we've been deceived. We naturally assumed it was a Korean-made battery," said one EV owner in an online community forum.
Another consumer commented, "While we can't assert that the fire happened because the battery was made in China, it's still a matter of trust."
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, there are around 3,000 Mercedes-Benz EQE vehicles equipped with Farasis Energy batteries in Korea.
In response to such concerns, the ministry is reportedly seeking a revision of the law to require automakers to disclose EV battery manufacturer information to consumers.
Currently, such disclosure is not mandatory, with companies often citing confidentiality agreements as a reason for non-disclosure.
The European Union is set to implement a “battery passport” system from 2026, mandating comprehensive disclosure of battery lifecycle information to consumers.
China has been disclosing battery manufacturer information since 2018. Electric vehicle manufacturers in China must submit detailed information about battery cells and packs, and consumers can access this information via the relevant ministry website or through applications provided by EV manufacturers.
The ministry plans to introduce an EV battery safety certification system in February next year. While the system aims to ensure battery safety standards, it falls short of providing direct information to consumers.
