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Chinese EV makers Great Wall, Chery recall about 18,000 cars over battery safety concerns
- Great Wall EVs were found to have faulty battery management systems, which could cause declining performance and potential fire hazard in extreme situations, regulator says
- Recalls will affect the companies’ sales, market observer says
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Two Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are recalling about 18,000 cars over battery safety concerns, a development that is likely to cast a shadow on the fast-growing sector.
While Great Wall Motors, China’s largest sport-utility vehicle (SUV) maker, is recalling 16,216 of its Ora iQ cars assembled between July 7, 2018 and October 30, 2019, Chery Automobile is recalling 1,407 Arrizo 5e vehicles made between July 20, 2018 and May 28, 2019.
The Great Wall EVs were found to have faulty battery management systems (BMS), which could cause declining performance and potential fire hazard in extreme situations, said the State Administration for Market Regulations. The Chery cars faced similar concerns after long-term usage, according to the regulator.
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“In the EV sector, battery safety is always a big issue,” said Chen Jinzhu, the CEO of Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service, which offers vehicle maintenance services and sells second-hand cars. “The recalls are set to affect the companies’ sales,” he added.
China hopes to become a global leader in the EV industry under its “Made in China 2025” master industrial plan, with leading assemblers and component makers grasping core technologies by 2025.
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Great Wall and Chery would not comment on the batteries they used in the models. Batteries are viewed as one of the most important parts in EVs, as they decide a car’s driving range.
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