August 30, 2024: South Korea’s government has urged auto manufacturers operating in the country to name their battery suppliers, in a bid to quell public safety concerns after a spate of fires involving EVs.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination confirmed on August 12 that it was advising car makers to make the voluntarily disclosures after the latest blaze — which broke out in an underground car park in the city of Incheon on August 1.

Meanwhile, president Yoon Suk Yeol has called on prime minister Han Duck-soo to quickly introduce planned measures to “ease public anxiety” over EV battery fires, the government said.

The measures include the early start of an EV batteries certification program, to begin later this year.

Details of the program have yet to be announced but could reportedly include requirements for mandatory sprinkler systems in underground garages that have EV charging stations.