At the start of January 2024, it was reported that a Mercedes-Benz EQB was consumed by fire while charging at a dealership in Johor on new year’s eve, with no injuries occuring in the incident. Later that month, the Energy Commission (ST) released a statement that the company operating the charging bay was found to be doing so without a license from the ST. However, it was never disclosed what had triggered the mishap in the first place.
More than a year later, the cause of what started the fire has been revealed. This came about when Bomba Malaysia director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad mentioned the incident earlier in the week when he was asked by reporters about the risk of EV fires at charging facilities in petrol stations.
“To date, there have been no EV fire cases at petrol stations. However, we did record one case in Johor where an EV caught fire while charging at a service centre. Investigations with the car manufacturer and our expert team found that the fire was not caused by the power supply or charging unit, but rather pre-existing damage within the battery capsule, which led to a short circuit between cells,” he said.
Following this, we reached out to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia to seek further clarification, and the company has responded with a statement on the matter.
“Regarding the incident of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle catching fire at the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, the investigations by our HQ technical experts, in cooperation with local authorities, have concluded that there are no indications for a vehicle-related technical defect that might have caused the incident. Meanwhile, the electrical system of the battery did not show any abnormality,” the statement said.
Apparently, the battery itself or the electrical system had no faults, but prior external damage likely caused an internal short circuit to occur, leading to the thermal runaway. While a rare occurrence, it highlights a point that all automakers need to be prepared for such incidents and look into introducing additional safeguards to warn users.
The company said that safety was paramount in all its vehicles, electric or otherwise. “As a matter of principle, Mercedes-Benz applies the same high safety standards to all its vehicles. This applies to vehicles with conventional combustion engines as well as to those with alternative drive systems. This means that the Mercedes-Benz vehicles meet all legal standards and norms.”
The brand has of course been at the forefront of electrification in the country. Besides having the highest number of BEV models on sale in Malaysia – EQA, EQB, EQC, EQE (sedan, SUV and AMG sedan) and EQS (sedan, SUV and AMG sedan) as well as the Maybach EQS – it has also been expanding its EV charging network for its customers on a steady basis.
Its commitment to an electric future here is also highlighted through its proactive engagement with the government, and in public safety with authorities such as Bomba, accomplished by equipping rescue teams with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage EV emergencies.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
I admit my english is not very good, hence i still struggle to understand what is the root cause of the fire despite going thru the article several times.
To date, there have been no EV fire cases at petrol stations. However, we did record one case in Johor where an EV caught fire while charging at a service centre. Investigations with the car manufacturer and our expert team found that the fire was not caused by the power supply or charging unit, but rather pre-existing damage within the battery capsule, which led to a short circuit between cells,” he said.
So difficult meh
Another hot seller
Feel free to be early adopters, but not me
We are being attracted to EV (though not mainly) for its intoxicating torque / acceleration, which this may actually canvassed issues such as charging time, and matters like this
This could be the reason of which manufacturers are not focusing on the actual daily needs of many motorist when designing an EV
They are, but the RM100k minimum price means EVs with “normal” acceleration/performance and small battery packs that can charge in reasonable time with single phase are not introduced to Malaysia.
Contoh – BYD Seagull is RM40.8k-52.4k in China but they already priced the Dolphin (RM56k-76.8 in CN) at RM100k locally.
Then who gonna pay our salaries?
Bomba expert said internal battery problem
Mesilis expert said not vehicle problem
So what kinda cooperation they had? Both cooperated to issue contradicting statements?
An astroid hit the car and burn
I have insider information that says it was a toyol that caused the fire
fragile design but it’s ok, blame owner for damaging the battery.
semua owner fault for not knowing how to drive properly…. copy lesson learnt from Hyundai Canada in their ioniq 5 EV cases
NMC batteries are well known for their thermal runaways, LFP batteries are much safer, more tolerant to hot weather and wont go kaboom..
External damage? Means that car has been to an accident before this? I seem difficult to believe it, or maybe true, 50-50
Bomba said battery, & Merc said nothing related to the EV car. it says a lot without saying it directly.
stay away from EV.
i wonder how the insurance company’s investigation outcome. if nobody’s at fault, then no insurance coverage?
it’s always no fault to mfg….biz as usual in MY.
avoid mercedes EV..tu je
Can search the Internet , there is recall for EQB series in US first then worldwide regarding battery short circuiting.
Why would anyone suspect the charger in the first place and why took so long to figure out the actual cause? It’s always the battery. In China, they are EV suddenly catches fire during parking. It’s common there. And with Mercedes quality nowadays, it’s not a surprise.
Mercedes EV is bad and hopeless ( money pit). Already so many Mercedes.EV incident catches fire around the world like
1) during shipment of Mercedes EV from Germany to USA. Mercedes EV catches fire inside the ship
2) carpark fire in UK
3) condo car park in South Korea
4) Mercedes EV fire outside Johor showroom Malaysia fire glitches.
5) much more EV fire reports
Better go for premium Volvo EV and BMW EV.
At least these luxury brands are way way much safer than any Mercedes EV. ..
Stay away from Mercedes EV if you value your life
.
No one wants to buy a used EV. Or most probably cannot afford. Therefore, no demand for second hand EVs.
Because of this, EV will not have any trade in value.
External cause pulak. This german cars in Malaysia are lousy. Should be same price as Mys cars. Boikot la!