Power loss issues have been plaguing electric vehicles from various major brands, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of EVs. These problems have been linked to Integrated Power Control Units (ICCU) in some cases, while other causes have also been identified.
There are two types of power loss symptoms observed in electric vehicles. In one type, the vehicle transitions to a “safety mode,” allowing it to drive for a limited time before losing power completely. Models from Hyundai Motor Group, such as Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 6, Genesis GV60 EV, GV70 EV, GV80 EV, and Kia EV6, have exhibited this symptom. Around 136,000 units of these models are set to undergo free repairs to address this issue.
The more severe cases involve an immediate and complete loss of power. BMW models, including iX, iX3, i4, and i4 M50, were previously recalled due to problems with the Charging Control Unit. In these cases, the high-voltage system cutoff led to the vehicle coming to a sudden stop while driving.
Kia’s new electric SUV, the EV9, has also experienced similar power loss symptoms. Both Kia and BMW cases have been attributed to issues with components related to power control. Kia has acknowledged the problem in the EV9 and is currently investigating the root causes. They are working on determining an appropriate response based on their analysis.
The prevalence of power loss issues, combined with the fact that the problems stem from various components, has raised concerns about the overall reliability of electric vehicles. This has had an impact on consumer confidence and electric vehicle sales.
Experts in the automotive industry emphasize the importance of addressing these power loss issues promptly before resuming vehicle sales. The safety risks associated with power loss while driving, including potential accidents and secondary incidents, underscore the urgency of resolving these problems to ensure the reliability and safety of electric vehicles.