THE HYUNDAI KONA EV RECALL IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE IN HISTORY - IT'S ALSO THE RIGHT THING TO DO

EV Channels Review

Hyundai has initiated the most expensive recall in automotive history, encompassing approximately 80,000 to 90,000 Kona EVs globally due to battery fire risks. The issue stems from LG Chem-supplied battery packs manufactured in Nanjing, China, between 2017 and 2019. While the recall is financially staggering, costing an estimated $900 million split between Hyundai and LG Energy, the reviewer posits it is the 'smartest' and 'right' move. The root cause has been identified as a misalignment within the battery cell manufacturing process, leading to premature aging and potential internal shorts. This proactive, comprehensive battery replacement strategy is lauded as a superior approach to a software update, aiming to restore customer confidence, contrasting with past handling of similar issues by other manufacturers like Nissan. The recall also raises questions about whether General Motors will follow suit for its Chevrolet Bolt EVs, which share similar LG battery cells from the same period, despite GM's initial belief that a software update would suffice.