SEOUL — In response to rising safety concerns following a significant electric vehicle (EV) fire earlier this month, Volkswagen and Stellantis have joined other auto manufacturers in revealing the battery suppliers for their EV models in South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the company, which imports Volkswagen and Audi brands, updated its website on August 14 to disclose the battery manufacturers for its electric models sold in the country. The Volkswagen ID.4 utilizes batteries from LG Energy Solution, while the Audi e-tron S and all versions of the Q8 electric SUV are equipped with batteries from Samsung SDI. This move aims to enhance transparency amid growing scrutiny over EV safety.
Similarly, Stellantis Korea provided details about the battery suppliers for its electric and plug-in hybrid models. The Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 SUV models feature batteries from China’s CATL. The Jeep plug-in hybrid models, including the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, are powered by batteries from Samsung SDI. This disclosure covers three EV models, two plug-in hybrid models, and one forthcoming model from Stellantis, highlighting the industry’s trend towards greater transparency in the components of EVs.
The disclosures come at a time when the auto industry is under increased pressure to ensure the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, particularly following incidents involving vehicle fires linked to battery issues. By providing this information, companies like Volkswagen and Stellantis are addressing consumer concerns and regulatory demands for clearer information on the critical components of EVs.