This image shows (clockwise from top left) the logos of imported car brands Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – As concerns mount following an electric vehicle fire in an underground parking garage in Incheon, South Korean automakers and importers are taking steps to increase transparency about the batteries powering their vehicles.
In response to government recommendations, several companies have begun publicly disclosing details about their battery suppliers.
Volkswagen Group Korea, the importer of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, announced on Wednesday that it had published information about the batteries in its electric models on its website.
According to industry sources, the Volkswagen ID.4 is powered by batteries from South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, while Audi’s electric sedan, the e-tron S, is equipped with Samsung SDI batteries.
The Q8, Audi’s electric SUV, features Samsung SDI batteries across all trims, including the 50 e-tron quattro and 55 e-tron quattro models. (Image from Audi AG)
The Q8, Audi’s electric SUV, features Samsung SDI batteries across all trims, including the 50 e-tron quattro and 55 e-tron quattro models. Other models, such as the e-tron 50 quattro and e-tron GT quattro, also rely on LG Energy Solution batteries.
This move underscores a broader trend among automakers to reassure the public by providing greater transparency about the components used in electric vehicles.
Renault Korea followed suit, revealing that its SM3 Z.E., TWIZY, and ZOE models—all available in the South Korean market—are powered by LG Energy Solution batteries.
Even luxury brands are joining in. Rolls-Royce confirmed that its electric vehicle, the Spectre, is equipped with batteries from Samsung SDI.
Stellantis Korea also disclosed battery information for six of its models from Jeep, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles on their respective websites. (Image courtesy of Stellantis)
Stellantis Korea also disclosed battery information for six of its models from Jeep, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles on their respective websites.
The company explained that this initiative, which includes details on both existing electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, aims to ease consumer concerns and support the public’s right to know.
Peugeot’s e-208 and e-2008 SUV models, along with DS Automobiles’ DS 3 E-Tense, utilize batteries from Chinese manufacturer CATL. Jeep’s forthcoming all-electric SUV, the Avenger, slated for release next month, will also use CATL batteries.
Meanwhile, the brand’s plug-in hybrids, the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, are powered by Samsung SDI batteries.
Peugeot’s e-208 model (Image courtesy of Stellantis)
Despite these disclosures, two of the largest electric vehicle sellers in South Korea, Tesla and General Motors, have yet to release information about their battery suppliers.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the industry watches closely to see if these major players will follow the lead of their competitors in prioritizing transparency.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
