According to media reports, following a fire involving a Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle in South Korea in early August, fire safety issues have once again become a hot topic. This incident has not only prompted the South Korean government to require electric vehicle manufacturers to disclose their battery suppliers but has also led to discussions in several countries, including the United States, regarding the fire safety of electric mobility products.
It is reported that U.S. federal and state lawmakers are considering the introduction of regulations on lithium-ion batteries to prevent fires.
Federal lawmakers in the United States are working on two complementary bills aimed at ensuring the safety of lithium-ion batteries in all electric mobility devices, including electric bicycles. Both bills have already been submitted to the Senate.
In May of this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill requiring the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish new standards for batteries and related equipment, such as chargers, wiring harnesses, and packaging. On August 1st, the Senate Commerce Committee also approved one of the bills, which mandates that the Consumer Product Safety Commission develop new battery standards.
Gabe Knight, a safety policy analyst at Consumer Reports, stated, "We have witnessed fires, deaths, and injuries caused by batteries across the country. Ultimately, it's crucial that we establish federal regulations to ensure that people nationwide are protected. This is very important."
Analysts also pointed out that government authorities and the electric vehicle industry in various countries need to find ways to alleviate public concerns about the safety of the electric vehicle industry as soon as possible. Esther Yim, an analyst at Samsung Securities in South Korea, said, "A series of electric vehicle fires in underground parking lots have further eroded consumer trust in electric vehicles, which could prolong the current downturn in the electric vehicle market." She urged all relevant parties to take measures to reassure consumers.
