Government to Initiate Pilot Program for EV Battery Certification

SEOUL: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced plans to launch a pilot program this month aimed at enhancing the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) through a new government-run certification system for EV batteries. According to Yonhap News Agency, the new certification system will allow the government to directly test and certify the safety of EV batteries, marking a significant shift from the self-certification system in place since 2003. Under the existing protocol, manufacturers are responsible for confirming their vehicles meet safety standards before market release. The pilot program, which involves major participants including Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., and LG Energy Solution Ltd., is set to pave the way for a full implementation scheduled for February 2025. The decision to develop a government-led certification program follows recent safety concerns highlighted by an incident on August 1, where a fire that started in a parked Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle led to the destructi on of a parking garage in Incheon. The blaze, which either destroyed or damaged over 100 cars, underscored the need for more stringent safety measures in the rapidly growing EV market.