Over 40,000 electric SUVs are at risk of fire! Is your car on this list?
For the past few months, EX30 owners in several countries, including the US, Australia, and Brazil, have been advised to park their cars away from buildings and not charge beyond 70 percent.
Popular Swedish car manufacturer Volvo Cars has decided to recall over 40,000 units of its flagship electric SUV, the EX30. The company stated that the high-voltage batteries in these vehicles are at risk of overheating, potentially leading to a fire. The EX30 lineup includes single-motor extended range and twin-motor performance models. This compact electric SUV is one of Volvo’s most popular cars.
Don’t charge above 70 percent
The batteries in the Volvo EX30 were manufactured by a joint venture company, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Co.. Volvo has clarified that it will replace the affected battery modules free of charge. Customers are also urged to avoid charging their vehicles above 70 percent until the batteries are replaced to reduce the risk of fire.
For the past few months, EX30 owners in several countries, including the US, Australia, and Brazil, have been advised to park their cars away from buildings and not charge beyond 70 percent.
Not the first time in the industry
It’s worth noting that similar incidents have occurred in the auto industry before. In 2020, General Motors had to recall around 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles because their batteries were found to be fire-prone. Those batteries were supplied by LG Electronics, and the cost to fix the issue was approximately $2 billion.
Impact on brand image
Experts believe the EX30 is a crucial model for Volvo. The company must address this issue quickly and effectively, as Volvo’s reputation is deeply tied to safety. According to one estimate, the cost of the new batteries alone could reach approximately $195 million, not including logistics and repair costs. However, Volvo has not officially disclosed these figures.