Hyundai and Kia decided to recall a limited number of electric vehicle models due to a manufacturing defect in battery cells. This process, which includes 14 vehicles in total, aims to take precautions against the risk of short circuits that may occur in battery cells.

The misconception in question stems from misalignment of electrodes in cells manufactured by battery supplier SK On. This can increase the risk of fire when vehicles are in motion or parked.

Recall Scope and Safety Warnings

Hyundai states that six Ioniq 5 vehicles for the 2023 and 2024 model years are affected by this problem. On the Kia side, seven EV6 and one 2024 model EV9 SUV model between the 2022-2024 model years are on the recall list.

Manufacturers warn vehicle owners not to charge their batteries above 80 percent. It is also emphasized that vehicles should be parked in an open area, away from closed areas, until the repair processes are completed.

Repair Process and Notifications

To resolve the issue, Kia announced that it will replace all high-voltage battery packs in affected vehicles with new batteries with truly aligned cells.

Hyundai is also expected to follow a similar repair procedure, but the company has not yet made a detailed statement.

Notification letters sent to dealers were delivered on July 6. Official notifications to vehicle owners are planned to be made on August 7.

How do you think these types of battery problems in electric vehicles affect users’ trust in brands?