The destructive aftermath of an electric car malfunction resulted in extensive damage to numerous vehicles and created hazardous conditions that led to the hospitalization of nearly 24 individuals.
The alarming event occurred on the morning of August 1st at an underground garage beneath a residential complex in Incheon, South Korea, where a parked electric Mercedes-Benz EQE suddenly burst into flames. Notably, the vehicle was neither charging nor in operation at the time of ignition.
According to reports from Korea JoongAng Daily, the fire department fielded close to 200 distress calls as the fire rapidly spread, releasing thick black smoke into the air. A total of 177 emergency responders were dispatched to combat the blaze and oversee evacuations at the complex. Despite their concerted efforts, it took eight hours for them to completely extinguish the fire.
During this chaotic ordeal, 106 individuals were rescued from the smoke-filled area, with an additional 103 being evacuated. While no fatalities were recorded, 21 people sustained injuries and required hospitalization as a result of the incident. Among those affected were several children and a firefighter.
Surveillance footage from the garage captured white smoke emanating from the Mercedes, which was followed by an explosion seconds later that ignited the inferno.
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In an Aug. 5 update, Korea JoongAng Daily reported the electric vehicle contained batteries made by a Chinese firm.
“The batteries are from Farasis Energy based on the report that Mercedes-Benz Korea submitted to us,” a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport representative said.
Farasis, located in Ganzhou, China, is one of the two suppliers chosen by Mercedes to provide batteries for the EQE. The other company, Contemporary Amperex Technology, is also based in China.
As reported by The Chosun Daily, there are over 3,000 EQE models in South Korea currently using Farasis cells.
The cause of the fire and any contributing factors are still under investigation by authorities. However, Mercedes-Benz Korea is facing criticism from consumers for its response to the incident.
According to The Korea Times, Mercedes is losing trust in the country due to its perceived “overly defensive” reaction to the fire. The company’s refusal to issue a public apology despite pledging a donation of 4.5 billion Korean won (approximately $3.3 million) seems to be part of the problem.
Moreover, Mercedes has been secretive about its battery supply chain despite consumer worries.
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Mercedes entered into a 10-year agreement with Farasis in 2018, meaning it will remain tied to the battery manufacturer for several more years.
