Mercedes-Benz Korea disclosed on Aug. 13 information about its battery cell manufacturers on its official website. The decision comes after the company initially refused to share details about its suppliers following a fire incident involving one of its electric vehicles (EVs) in Cheongna, Incheon, on Aug. 1, citing competition-related concerns. However, in response to continued consumer anxiety, the company has reversed its stance.
A representative from Mercedes-Benz Korea explained the shift, stating, “We have decided to make information about the battery cell suppliers for our fully electric vehicles available on our official website in response to consumer and market demands.”
The call for transparency grew stronger, particularly among Mercedes-Benz EV owners, after conflicting reports emerged about the battery manufacturer involved in the EQE vehicle fire. Initial reports suggested that the EQE was equipped with CATL batteries, but it was later revealed that the vehicle was actually powered by batteries from Farasis, a Chinese company ranked among the world’s top 10 battery manufacturers.
According to the information released on the Mercedes-Benz Korea website, only the EQE 300 is equipped with CATL batteries, while the EQE 350+, AMG 53 4M+, and EQE 350 4M use batteries from Farasis. In the EQS lineup, the EQS 350 also uses Farasis batteries, while the other models are equipped with CATL batteries. As for the EQE SUV models, the EQE 500 4M uses Farasis batteries, and the EQE 350 4M uses CATL batteries.
The EQC is exclusively equipped with batteries from LG Energy Solution, while the EQB uses batteries from SK On. The EQA is fitted with either CATL or SK On batteries, depending on the production year.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Korea has agreed to comply with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport’s special inspection recommendation, which calls for a comprehensive check of EQE vehicles equipped with Farasis batteries. The company plans to establish a dedicated call center to facilitate free, special inspections for electric vehicles.
Following similar moves by Hyundai, Kia, and BMW Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea’s decision to disclose battery manufacturer information marks a growing trend in the industry.
