LG Energy Solution Denies Reports
Hyundai Motor’s Namyang Research Institute has reportedly found problems with the batteries of recalled Kona Electric.
The research institute has been investigating the cause of a recent series of Kona EV fires.
Citing an anonymous industry source, an Internet media outlet reported on Feb. 10 that the research institute has detected problems with the batteries of recalled Kona EVs. “We have found a cell defect in the lithium-ion batteries," an anonymous official at the institute was quoted as saying, adding, "Officials of LG Energy Solution visited the institute to confirm this finding."
The report strongly suggests that Hyndai Motor is leaning toward a conclusion that the cause of the Kona EV fires was defects in the batteries from LG Energy Solution.
Yet LG Energy Solution flatly denied the report. "It is far from the truth," a company official said. Yet another company official was quoted as saying, "It is true that company officials visited the Namyang Research Institute and discussed the matter,” adding, “But we cannot confirm the institute’s reported discovery of battery defects.”
"If the cause of the fires is battery separators as rumored, we will claim compensation from the separator manufacturer," a third LG official said.
Hyundai Motor is cautious about the matter. "We are actively cooperating, along with our partners, in an investigation being carried out by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)," a Hyundai Motor official said. "We are considering taking various measures."
Meanwhile, the ministry is reportedly preparing to announce the outcome of its investigation. Ministry officials appear to be taking pains to come up with measures that can minimize the fallout from the announcement of investigation results.
This is because much is at stake. Those who are held responsible for the fires are likely to suffer a devastating blow. In October 2020, Hyundai Motor announced a recall of 77,000 units of the Kona EV produced from September 2017 to March 2020. In January this year, the automaker sent a text message offering an apology as a recalled vehicle was engulfed in a fire.