(Photo= Yonhap news)

 

[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to Discuss EV Battery Information Disclosure on August 13

In response to increasing consumer concerns about electric vehicle (EV) battery safety following a recent fire at an underground parking lot in Incheon, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) is considering measures to mandate the disclosure of EV battery information.

On August 8, it was reported that MOLIT will convene a meeting with domestic automakers and importers on August 13 to discuss battery information disclosure. The meeting will include representatives from major manufacturers such as Hyundai Motor Group and KG Mobility, as well as key importers like Mercedes-Benz Korea, BMW Group Korea, and Volkswagen Group Korea.

MOLIT has recently communicated the purpose and agenda of the meeting to manufacturers and importers via email.

Currently, while EV manufacturers provide information on vehicle dimensions, weight, maximum output, energy consumption, and battery capacity, they do not disclose detailed information about the battery manufacturer or product name. This has led consumers to rely on media reports or direct inquiries to manufacturers for such information, with some manufacturers not providing detailed battery information even upon request.

For instance, the Mercedes-Benz EQE vehicle involved in the recent fire was initially reported to have a battery from CATL, China's leading battery manufacturer, but it was later confirmed to have a battery from Farasis Energy, a top ten global battery supplier.

In comparison, the European Union will require EV manufacturers to disclose battery manufacturer information starting in 2026, and some U.S. states are also pushing for similar measures.

MOLIT plans to carefully review and consider various issues surrounding battery information disclosure, incorporating the perspectives of manufacturers and importers into its decision-making process.

 

 

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