This photo provided by Tesla Inc, shows the carmaker’s service center in western Seoul.
SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla Inc. has reversed its stance on providing safety diagnostic information concerning its vehicles to South Korea’s traffic authority.
In mid-July, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KTSA) received safety diagnostic data related to vehicle operation and battery performance from Tesla. This data has led to the initiation of a vehicle inspection system based on the collected information.
Moreover, KTSA is currently developing dedicated cables to extract safety-related data from Tesla vehicles that do not possess an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port.
In 2009, it became mandatory for all vehicles introduced to the South Korean market to be equipped with an OBD system.
However, Tesla vehicles lack inspection data and OBD ports, which presents challenges in examining electric resistance and electronic components.
Back in June 2017, KTSA requested all automakers to provide diagnostic information. At that time, Tesla maintained that submitting such data was not feasible.
Tesla argued that installing an OBD port might render its software technology, including self-driving capabilities, vulnerable to hacking.
As a result, concerns have emerged that even if Tesla deliberately hides vehicle defects or system errors arise, authorities might be ill-equipped to respond effectively.
J. S. Shin (js_shin@koreabizwire.com)
