Hyundai has recalled the Kona Electric SUV in the South Korean market due to a fault in its high voltage battery cells. The fault could lead to a short circuit and eventually, a fire could erupt risking the lives of the occupant and other road users. It is reported that the voluntary recall will commence from 16th October 2020 which includes battery inspections, battery replacements after the inspection and software updates. It is being reported that 25,564 Kona electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured between the September 2017 and March 2020 have been recalled.
According to sources, 13 incidents of fires involving the Hyundai Kona Electric have been reported so far including 1 each incident, reported in Canada and Austria. The Hyundai Kona Electric’s battery pack is manufactured by LG Chem Ltd. The company has not yet commented on the incident. Reports also suggest, following investor anxieties, the recall and battery replacements could be expensive as nearly 30% of the EVs price is the battery pack, Hyundai shares fell by 1.4%, on the contrary, LG Chem shares rose 1.8%.
Hyundai also retails the Kona Electric in the Indian market but no reports of any incidents of fire or reports of injury due to faulty battery packs have been reported in the Indian market. The Hyundai Kona Electric in India is powered by a 39.2 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack that comes with a 134 Hp / 395 Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a single-speed reduction gearbox that powers the front wheels of the car. The Kona Electric in India has a range of ARAI tested 452 km on a single charge.
In the European market, the Hyundai Kona Electric comes with an optional 64 kWh battery pack that is coupled to a 204 Hp electric motor which offers 484 km of range on a single charge, according to the on the WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Program) cycle.