Each brand underlines its ties to prominent South Korean battery makers. Audi currently offers 13 different EV models in Korea, including the widely popular Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron, all equipped with batteries from LG Energy Solution or Samsung SDI. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s lineup includes the ID.4 model, which also uses LG Energy Solution batteries.
Porsche is using LG Energy Solution batteries in the Taycan EV, the luxury brand's only electric model in Korea.
The overall industry response highlights a movement towards greater transparency regarding battery suppliers following recent guidance from government authorities. Other major automakers like General Motors have followed suit as part of broader efforts to reassure consumers about the safety of their electric vehicles.
Stellantis spoke out recently ahead of the upcoming launch of new EV models under its Jeep, Peugeot, and DS brands. Bang Sil, Managing Director of Stellantis Korea, expressed on Wednesday that disclosing comprehensive details about their electric and hybrid models is crucial for calming customer concerns.
Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids use batteries from Samsung SDI. Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 and DS 3 E-Tense use batteries from China's Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL). The Avenger, Jeep's first pure EV, which is expected to arrive in Korea in the second half of the year, is also powered by CATL.
Hyundai Motor, Kia, BMW and Volvo Cars also disclose such information on their websites.
The backdrop to these efforts by Audi and Volkswagen is a recent incident on August 1 where a Mercedes EQE EV using a Farasis Energy battery exploded causing significant injury and disruption in Incheon. Mercedes-Benz Korea’s CEO Mathias Vaitl visited affected residents last Wednesday evening to apologize personally.
This incident has raised alarms over EV safety standards prompting automakers across the board to reveal specific details about their vehicle's battery suppliers—underscoring an industry-wide push towards ensuring consumer confidence in this rapidly growing market sector.
Source: Korea Joongang Daily
