Mercedes recalls nearly 13,500 electric cars in China over battery fire risk
Beijing Benz, a Mercedes-Benz joint venture in China, is recalling 13,447 locally produced EQC electric crossovers. This was announced by the State Administration of Market Regulation of China (SAMR).
Here's What We Know
The problem lies in the software of the battery management system. Due to a bug in the code, high-voltage batteries can overheat in extreme conditions, after which "thermal runaway" - an effect of uncontrolled temperature rise that can end in a fire.
The recall applies to vehicles manufactured by Beijing Benz from 30 November 2018 to 17 September 2022.
The company will update the software free of charge through authorised dealers. In the meantime, owners are advised to charge the cars to no more than 80 per cent - this will reduce the risk of overheating.
The EQC was Mercedes-Benz's first all-electric car in China - it started selling in November 2019. But already in early 2022, Chinese owners complained en masse about problems with the electric motors.
This is not the first recall of Mercedes electric cars in China recently. In March, the company already recalled 12,308 local EQA and EQB due to similar battery problems. At that time, it was about a defect in the production process of high-voltage batteries. Defective cells could cause a short circuit inside the battery, which could also cause a fire.
Source: SpecialVrost
