“LG Energy Solution’s Statement on Kona EV Recall:
In connection with the additional implementation of the recent voluntary Kona EV recall, the investigation has not yet been completed. However, we will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of the Republic of Korea and Hyundai Motors to ensure the recall is carried out smoothly with our highest priority on consumers’ safety.
The misalignment inside the battery cell (the folded anode tab) is cited as the reason for this recall, but it is hard to consider this as a direct cause since no fire occurred in the reproduction experiment as announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Moreover, this problem was discovered in the early production stages of LG Energy Solution Nanjing plant’s Hyundai Motors-only production line, which has already been corrected.
In addition, it has been confirmed that Hyundai Motors’ misapplication of the BMS charging map was caused by their incorrect application of fast charging logic, proposed by LG Energy Solution, to the BMS. We will be cooperating with the relevant authorities to discover whether this had any connection to the fire.
LG Energy Solution is fully committed to further enhancing the safety in all processes, from product design to manufacturing and inspection.
Furthermore, the damage to the separator, which was proposed as a possible cause of the fire last October, has since been confirmed as unrelated by simulation test conducted by a joint investigation team.”
