South Korean Authorities Investigate Repeated Fires Of Hyundai Kona EV

Hyundai Kona is recharging the battery. (Ed Harvey / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A fire allegedly caused by an electric short circuit was re-experienced by the electric car Hyundai Kona EV in South Korea last week. In fact, the vehicle is known to have experienced a recall and repair last year.

This condition causes the South Korean authorities to investigate the fire incident, as well as the feasibility of repairs made previously. This was said by a South Korean Transport Ministry official who did not wish to be named, reported Reuters.

The Hyundai Kona EV fire, which occurred on Saturday last week in Daegu City, is part of 11 similar incidents reported in South Korea. Previously, a series of fires prompted a mass recall of Hyundai's best-selling product in South Korea in October 2020.

"But this incident is different. Because this is the first Kona EV that caught fire after undergoing a recall process," said the official.

From the recall made last year, there were vehicles that received a software update. However, there are also vehicles that receive a battery replacement after the inspection.

Illustration. (Mpho Mojapelo / Unsplash)

"The Kona which was on fire received only a software update but no battery replacement," said the official.

So far, Hyundai has recalled 25,564 Kona EVs produced between September 2017 and March 2020. The reason is the risk of short circuit which may be caused by faulty production of high-voltage battery cells.

"The Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute, which has been investigating the fire, is now investigating the adequacy of Hyundai's voluntary recall process," the official added.

There has been no comment from Hyundai regarding this. Meanwhile, Hyundai is expected to launch a new electric vehicle, Ioniq 5, whose first model uses a new dedicated EV platform, next month.