Kona EV owners accuse Hyundai of mishandling battery fire-triggered recall

Hyundai Kona electric vehicle owners accused the South Korean automaker of bungling a recall of 82,000 units globally with delays and poor communication.

The fires in 15 Kona EVs necessitated battery system replacement that would cost the carmaker $900 million.

However, Hyundai has not conveyed a clear plan to owners on when and how they can expect the replacements, some of the owners have complained.
According to a 34-year-old Seoul-based Kona EV owner surnamed Kim, he was told that he would be placed ahead in the line upon inquiry in a repair center, but he hasn't received the exact date yet
Hyundai said battery replacements would be available in South Korea by next week. But the lack of clarity prompted owners to turn to social media to air their frustrations.

There was also a class suit filed by 173 Kona EV owners seeking 8 million won compensation each for the reduced value of their cars and other losses.

According to Lee Hang-koo, an executive adviser at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, the automaker should communicate more clearly with owners potential issues with battery supplies.

Lee emphasized that Hyundai should be straightforward and let its consumers know what's going on, whether or not battery sourcing has been difficult. He added that Hyundai should review how they treat their customers if they don't want to fall behind in the EV race.

Hyundai is aiming to become the third-largest global EV maker by 2025.
The vehicle fires, dating weeks within the Kona EV's 2018 launch, have not yet caused injuries or fatalities.

The batteries were made by LG Chem's battery division LG Energy Solution.

The 75,680 Kona EVs affected by the recall account for nearly 70 percent of the 111,000 units sold over the past three years in the US, Europe, and South Korea.