Marque recalls EVs over fire threat

Hyundai New Zealand is bracing itself to recall its Kona electric vehicles (EVs) after a short circuit problem that poses a potential fire risk was found in models overseas.

The marque has issued a voluntary recall for the SUV in South Korea over what may be faulty manufacturing of its high-voltage battery cells. Bosses here are monitoring the situation in case they need to take similar action.

South Korea’s transport ministry says the recall, which starts on October 16, involves more 25,000 Kona EVs and will include software updates and battery replacements. The affected vehicles were built between September 2017 and March 2020.

Hyundai explains the safety recall “is a proactive response to a suspected defective production of high-voltage batteries used in the vehicles, which may have contributed to the reported fires”.

There have been 13 reported incidents of fires involving the Kona EV worldwide – 11 in South Korea, and one each in Austria and Canada, pictured above.

Kimberley Waters, a spokeswoman for Hyundai NZ, says there have been no cases of fires reported here.

“We are in discussions with Hyundai Motor Company regarding this matter as the safety of our customers is paramount,” she explains. 

“Once we are notified by Hyundai Motor Company of any affected Kona EVs in New Zealand, we will be in contact directly with those customers to advise next steps and initiate our recall process.”

If Hyundai’s recall is made global, it will affect more than 77,000 vehicles. 

Kona EVs use batteries made by LG Chem and the two companies are working together to identify the exact cause of the problem.