Hyundai Motor now offering free EV checkups

Hyundai Motor Group will offer free inspections for EVs to address concerns over battery fires.

An inspector checks on an Ioniq 5, Hyundai Motor's flagship electric vehicle. [Hyundai Motor Group]

Hyundai Motor (including Genesis) and Kia launched a free inspection service for its electric vehicles (EVs) Tuesday following growing public concern over EV battery fires.

Owners of Hyundai Motor and Kia EVs can now visit designated inspection centers for a free comprehensive vehicle checkup.

The free inspection covers nine components, including insulation resistance, voltage stability and cooling systems.

Technicians will also examine connections and the undercarriage for damage as well as check for error codes.

Owners of Hyundai Motor and Genesis EVs can utilize 22 “Hightech” centers, which are directly run by Hyundai Motor, and 1,234 “Bluehands” inspection centers. Kia EV owners can access 18 directly operated inspection centers and 757 additional “Auto Q” checkup branches.

“We will support our customers and quell their worries through such complimentary inspection services,” a spokesperson for the automakers said. “Hyundai Motor and Kia are implementing various programs to enable customers to conveniently drive and manage electric vehicles.”

EV fires have become a growing concern in Korea following the recent explosion of a Mercedes EV in an Incheon underground parking garage and a similar blaze in South Chungcheong.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has recently taken steps to mitigate risks of such accidents like discouraging the use of nearly fully charged EVs in underground parking lots.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [yoon.seungjin@joongang.co.kr]