South Korea to make disclosure of EV battery information mandatory, offering free annual safety inspections

The South Korean government has decided to make it mandatory for automakers to disclose battery information for electric vehicles (EVs). This is in response to the installation of wet sprinklers in the underground parking lots of newly built buildings to prevent fires.
This is part of a measure to detect damage early and prevent it from spreading. In addition, the pilot project for the battery certification system, which was scheduled to begin in February next year, will be brought forward and begin this year.
The government and the ruling People Power Party held a high-level council to decide on measures to prevent electric vehicle fires at the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 25th, according to People Power Party chief reporter Han Ji-ya.
The move comes in response to growing concerns about the safety of EVs following a fire that broke out in an EV Mercedes at an apartment building in Incheon on the 1st.
The ruling party and the government have decided to equip fire stations across the country with EV fire suppression equipment and, in consultation with the industry, to conduct free annual inspections to check the safety of EV batteries.
The number of smart chargers that control the power supply will also increase to 90,000 by next year. In addition, the development of next-generation batteries that can reduce the risk of fire and the sophistication of battery management systems (BMS) will be promoted.
The company will also tackle mid- to long-term issues, such as developing an unmanned fire engine that can safely and efficiently extinguish fires in underground facilities. It will also remotely diagnose the condition of batteries and communicate with consumers and manufacturers if there are any problems.
The spread of battery management systems that notify the driver of vehicle accidents will also increase. Han said, "We will gather opinions from various stakeholders, including industry and experts, and after holding discussions with relevant ministries and agencies, we will swiftly come up with comprehensive measures."
"We will make an announcement," he said, clarifying his future plans.