4 electric vehicle due to misaligned electrodes in the battery that can cause fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified 670 vehicles from the 2023 and 2024 model years as being affected by this issue. 4 caught on fire while using a DC fast charger in January 2024.
Since then, four more fires have been reported, including one that occurred while the vehicle was in motion. The company has traced the origin of the fires to the battery and found 'shifted electrodes' in one of them. As a result, Volkswagen is warning owners to park outside immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging indoors overnight until the recall repair is complete.
Drivers are also being advised not to use DC fast chargers and to limit the battery charge to a maximum of 80 percent. The company will replace high voltage battery cell modules to address the issue. 4, which involves 43,881 vehicles from the 2023-2025 model years due to a battery that can overheat.
While the root cause of this issue remains unclear, drivers are being warned not to notice any reduced range or performance if they have the defect. Volkswagen technicians will perform a battery health check and install updated self-discharge detection software as part of the recall. The company may also replace some batteries based on the results of the inspection and software readings.
This recall highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in electric vehicle design and manufacturing. As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, it's crucial that manufacturers like Volkswagen take proactive steps to address potential issues before they become major problems.
