Hyundai recalls EVs over fire risk
Hyundai Australia has issued a recall for its electric Ioniq and Kona vehicles to replace their battery-management systems and battery packs.
The move was sparked by a global recall trigged by a potential fire risk.
Just over 1000 Konas have been sold in Australia, and most of them will be affected by the recall. Most of the full EV Ioniqs sold here, just over 750 of them, will also be recalled.
“Hyundai Motor Company Australia is aware of the recent Kona EV recall announced in Korea and will be taking a similar action in Australia,” said a company statement.
“We have informed the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (DIRD) about the recall and will communicate the details to affected customers shortly.”
The recall is expected to cost Hyundai more than $1.2 billion globally, making it one of the more expensive recalls ever seen. Effectively, it is like a car company recalling a whole line of cars to replace the entire engine and engine-management software.
The company will be begin replacing the necessary systems late next month with the work continuing through April.
Korean media has reported that Kona EVs have been involved in a total of 15 fire incidents, 11 of them in its home market in Korea, and another four overseas.
The move follows a Kona EV recall issued in Australia last year for a software update that was supposed to address the potential fire issues. Clearly, it wasn’t enough.
