Hyundai says its battery management system can prevent EVs from exploding

"Driving can be restricted as abnormal signals have been detected. Please call Hyundai Motor's emergency dispatch center for immediate support."

A graphic image of Hyundai Motor's battery management system installed in its EVs [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

"Driving can be restricted as abnormal signals have been detected. Please call Hyundai Motor's emergency dispatch center for immediate support."

This alarm is an example of the automatic messages drivers receive from Hyundai EVs when their battery management system (BMS) detects risks to prevent bigger accidents, such as fire.

Hyundai Motor and Kia on Thursday unveiled its BMS technology, touted as the "brain" of the battery pack. It monitors the condition of EV batteries, such as temperature and voltage deviation, and controls key parameters.

When it detects anything unusual, it automatically judges the risk and sends a message to the customer.

A rendered image of Hyundai Motor's battery management system installed in its EVs. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The system also prevents EVs from overcharging in three phases, according to the automaker. Hyundai Motor spent 15 years developing such a system to maximize driver safety.

"No fires have been reported for Hyundai and Kia cars caused by overcharging," the automakers said in a statement. "Hyundai and Kia EVs are equipped with all the safety functions we have developed for years to help customers feel safe driving our cars."

The announcement comes as public anxiety is mounting over EVs after a Mercedes EV burst into flames in an underground garage in an apartment complex in Incheon earlier in the month. The blaze sent 23 people to the hospital, damaged as many as 880 vehicles and inflicted weeklong electricity and water outages on some 1,600 households.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]