A Mercedes-Benz EQE caught fire in an apartment complex last week, destroying more than 100 cars

South Korean automakers are disclosing the names of their electric vehicle (EV) battery suppliers to distance themselves from a major incident last week caused by a “spontaneous” vehicle fire.

The fire started in a Mercedes-Benz EQE EV parked in an apartment complex in Incheon, 30km (20 miles) west of Seoul and resulted in a major blaze which destroyed 100 vehicles parked in the complex and injured 23 people.

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Mercedes-Benz’s local importer has been criticised for its weak response to the incident.

Over the weekend, Hyundai Motor disclosed the names of the battery suppliers for 13 of its EVs models, revealing all batteries were sourced from local manufacturers LG Energy Solution and SK On with the exception of the Kona Electric which has battery cells supplied by China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world’s leading EV battery manufacturer.

Kia said it also planned to disclose the names of its EV battery suppliers on its website this week. The two Hyundai Motor Group automakers said they were committed to working closely with relevant government departments and other agencies to address growing EV safety concerns in the country.

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Local reports suggested around half of EVs imported into South Korea were fitted with battery cells produced by Chinese companies. Mercedes-Benz EV models sold in South Korea were found to use mostly Chinese made batteries from CATL.

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However, the automaker said the EQE model which caught fire was fitted with batteries made by Chinese battery maker Farasis Energy.