Hyundai EV recall for battery issues affected by COVID restrictions

While Australia has launched its recall of Hyundai Konas and Ioniqs potentially affected by a battery fault, Hyundai New Zealand says it’s in the process of launching the official recall through appropriate channels and communicating with affected EV customers.

“Unfortunately, the current COVID lockdown restrictions have created some temporary roadblocks in our preparations for the recall rollout,” Hyundai New Zealand says.

“We are working with our dealerships currently to put processes in place to support this recall and minimise disruption to our affected EV customers.”

Hyundai Australia has listed 615 Hyundai Konas and 208 Ioniqs on the official Australian government vehicle recalls website due to a possible battery fault after notices were sent to owners earlier this year.

Hyundai has also sent a follow-up email to its March information bulletin, calling on owners of affected vehicles to urgently book their cars in for the needed work, The Driven reports.

The fault has been reported by Hyundai to have been caused by incorrectly folded battery cell anode tabs which may contact cathode terminals, potentially causing short circuits and fires.

It is understood just batteries manufactured at an LG Chem battery plant in Nanjing, China, are involved.

Reports suggest replacement packs will be built with insulating coatings on the cathodes to prevent any possible short circuits.

Globally, the recall covers about 77,000 Konas, 5700 Ioniqs and a few Elec City buses.

The total cost for the recall is expected to be nearly NZ$1.453 billion (A$1.4b or US$1.024b) about 70% of which will be covered by LG Chem.

The recall began overseas in May and has has been rolling out as fast as the replacement part becomes available so that Australian and New Zealand vehicles are only now joining.

Affected consumers will be contacted by Hyundai to arrange a battery replacement.

Hyundai earlier advised affected owners not to charge their EV battery above 90% until the vehicle had been repaired.

In some overseas markets, parking away from flammable structures such as the home, garage or carport has been suggested as a further precaution although that is not official Hyundai Motor Company advice.