A Chinese-made battery from an electric vehicle has caused a fire in South Korea.

Car Guide reported Thursday that the fire allegedly originated from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, which was parked inside an apartment complex in Incheon, Seoul. A total of 140 cars were damaged during the blaze and at least 23 people had to receive treatment for smoke inhalation. 

Based on surveillance footage, the vehicle emitted smoke and eventually exploded before the building was consumed by fire. The EV was reportedly not in the process of charging when the incident started.

There is an ongoing investigation focused on the Mercedes-Benz's lithium-ion battery made by Farasis Energy, a well-known Chinese battery supplier.

 

In response to the incident, legislators introduced a bill that would increase the number of firefighting resources. The equipment will be stationed near EV charging stations in parking lots.

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As per Korea Bizwire, Farasis Energy issued a massive recall in 2021 due to risks of battery fire. Many locations in foreign areas have implemented regulations about the provision of battery manufacturer information to customers.

China has also been sharing battery manufacturer information through a management platform since 2018. The regulations and necessary measures ensure the EVs' safe performance and address the consumers' right to know product details.

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The news comes after the Biden administration announced its plan to ban Chinese software in autonomous vehicles. The U.S. Commerce Department's barring could be implemented with Level 3 automation and above. 

Vehicles with Chinese-developed wireless communications abilities would be prohibited as part of the ban. The proposal would also influence both automakers and suppliers to verify that none of their vehicles or software are made in China.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Industry and Security plans to tighten monitoring on "specific systems of concern within the vehicle." 

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