Thousands of electric Volvo EXO30 models recalled due to manufacturing issue with battery
Thousands of luxury electric car models were recalled due to concerns that battery problems could cause the vehicle to catch fire.
The federal government’s vehicle recall website has published a notice stating that all versions of the Volvo EX30 produced between 2023 and 2024 are being recalled.
In Australia, this affects more than 3,300 vehicles, with the model selling for up to $67,600 on average.
The recall was made after owners were urged not to charge the vehicle beyond 70 percent due to the SUV’s battery problem.
“Due to a manufacturing problem, cell modules installed in the high-voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels. If this occurs, it may lead to a fire in the vehicle,” the recall notice states.
The all-electric 5-seat EX30 module uses a 69kWh battery pack made of nickel-manganese-cobalt (NCA) modules, which are extremely difficult to extinguish.
The NCA module, a type of lithium-ion battery, is used in most electric vehicles because it promises higher range, faster charging and lower costs.
They are extremely difficult to extinguish because they create their own oxygen and burn at temperatures above 1000C.
The cells inside the battery enter into a domino effect, where they can catch fire again even when visible flames are extinguished.
Reuters reported that replacing these battery packs in affected units globally could cost Volvo $195 million.
