Persistent Power Problems
Problems with power loss while driving continue to plague electric vehicles from several major brands. The issues have mostly been detected in their Integrated Power Control Units (ICCU), but other causes have also been identified. Although the history of electric vehicles is still short and requires time for improvements, these issues directly impact safety, undermining the reliability of electric vehicles themselves.
According to automotive industry experts on July 2, power loss in electric vehicles that have happened domestically can be divided into two types depending on the symptoms. A relatively safe case involves the vehicle transitioning to “safety mode,” in which it continues to drive for about 20-30 minutes before completely losing power. Six models from Hyundai Motor Group previously exhibited this symptom. The models include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 6, Genesis GV60 EV, GV70 EV, GV80 EV, and the Kia EV6. About 136,000 units of these models will begin to be repaired for free starting this month.
More dangerous cases involve the immediate loss of power. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport previously decided to recall four models of BMW for voluntary correction measures. The four models include iX, iX3, i4, and i4 M50, with a recall of 17 units sold.
The recalled BMW electric cars experienced issues with the Charging Control Unit. The problem manifests as the high-voltage system being cut off while driving, causing the vehicle to stop shortly thereafter. The vehicle can only be driven further by inertia.
Recently, Kia’s new electric sports utility vehicle also showed symptoms similar to BMW’s, losing power while driving. Both cases had issues with the components controlling the power.
On July 2, Kia stated, “There have been no cases in the EV9 where an abnormality occurred on the Low Voltage DC Converter board due to overcurrent in the ICCU.” Kia emphasized that they are aware of other types of power loss cases and are investigating the exact causes. Although still under investigation, they clarified that the problem is not the same as with the IONIQ 5 or EV6. Kia will decide on an appropriate response based on the analyzed results.
The EV9’s case is not only alarming due to the immediate loss of power but also because of the large number of units sold. The four BMW models only amounted to 17 units, but the EV9 sold over 1,300 units in June alone.
The fact that power loss cases in electric vehicles continue to occur, and the problem is not confined to a single component, is shaking confidence in electric vehicles on the whole. Recent increases in electric vehicle sales have been faltering.
Lee Ho-geun, a professor in the Department of Automotive Engineering at Daegu Daeduk University, said, “The repeated power loss cases seem to indicate there are still unresolved critical problems.” He stressed that “Power loss while driving can lead to major accidents and risk secondary accidents. Therefore, sales should be suspended until the cause is analyzed and resolved.”