In a shocking turn of events, an electric vehicle (EV) parked in an apartment complex in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, spontaneously caught fire, sparking concerns over EV safety. The incident has led some residents to take drastic measures, including banning EVs from underground parking lots.

 The Incident

The car, a Mercedes-Benz sedan, had been stationary for 59 hours without being connected to a charger. Surveillance footage revealed no external factors that might have caused the fire. Fortunately, there were no casualties beyond smoke inhalation for 20 residents. However, the fire destroyed 40 nearby vehicles and caused minor damage to 100 more.

 Resident Reactions

In response to the incident, residents of the greater Seoul area are taking action. An apartment complex in Anyang hung a banner banning EVs from parking underground. Another complex in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, decided to relocate the EV-charging station from the basement levels to the ground level. They also opted not to assign additional parking spots to electric cars for the time being.

 Investigation and Debates

Authorities at the Incheon Seobu Police Station are investigating the cause of the fire. The Mercedes owner will be summoned for questioning. Meanwhile, local media reported a heated debate at another Gyeonggi-based apartment complex over banning EVs from underground parking lots, which escalated into a violent scuffle.

 Thailand's EV Market Challenges

As Thailand aims to become an EV hub in ASEAN, these safety concerns highlight the need for robust charging infrastructure and awareness campaigns. "Range anxiety" due to the scarcity of charging points remains a challenge for potential EV buyers.