A Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle sparked a massive fire in an underground parking lot in South Korea, destroying dozens of cars and forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. The blaze, which raged for eight hours, has put the spotlight on the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), especially in densely populated areas where parking is often underground. This incident has led to calls for new safety measures, including parking EVs outside and installing specialized fire equipment. With recent high-profile EV fires, including a blaze at a lithium-battery factory, South Korea is now facing increased scrutiny over EV safety, making it clear that the battle for fire-free electric driving is just beginning.
This dramatic event captured national attention in South Korea. People are now debating whether electric vehicles (EVs) should be parked outside, and there are calls for stricter safety rules. South Korea, home to big names like Hyundai and Kia, is facing new concerns about EV safety. Even though gasoline cars are statistically more likely to catch fire than EVs, when electric cars do ignite, their lithium-ion batteries burn hotter and take longer to extinguish.
This isn’t the first time EVs have faced scrutiny. Recently, GM recalled thousands of Chevrolet Bolts due to battery fire risks, and Hyundai recalled around 80,000 electric SUVs after a few caught fire. A Nissan Leaf in Tennessee caught fire last year, and it took more than 45 times the amount of water needed for a gasoline car to put it out.
In South Korea, where space is tight and many live in high-rise apartments with underground parking, concerns are heightened. Seoul, the capital, has a much higher population density than cities like New York or Tokyo. With outdoor parking spots being rare, EVs are often parked in these vulnerable underground spaces.
The country was already on edge after a lithium-battery factory fire in June that claimed nearly 20 lives. Just a week after the Mercedes fire in Incheon, another Kia EV6 caught fire in a different South Korean town.
Both Mercedes-Benz and Kia have pledged to cooperate with investigations to find out what caused these fires. Meanwhile, LG Display has suggested that its employees park their EVs outside, and South Korea’s trade association plans to move EV charging stations above ground. KT, a major telecommunications company, is also considering banning EVs from underground parking.
A South Korean lawmaker has proposed new rules for specialized fire extinguishers in areas where EV fires are likely. Some apartment complexes are even considering requiring EV owners to sign agreements taking responsibility for any potential accidents.
Ha Won-jun, a film director from Namyangju, noticed an EV fire earlier this year and suggested moving EV charging stations above ground at his apartment complex. His idea wasn’t popular before, but with the recent fire making headlines, it might gain support.
Despite these concerns, some people still see the benefits of EVs. Choi Kyung-seok, who bought a Kia EV6 two months ago, appreciates the cost savings and has a fire blanket in his trunk. “I don’t think the risk of fire will make us stop using EVs,” he said.
