Audi has recently announced its second recall due to a battery fire risk. The company has recalled over 100 electric vehicles after discovering a manufacturing defect that could potentially lead to a fire. The recall notice specifically affects the Audi E-Tron 55 and 55 Sportback EVs manufactured between 2018 and 2022.
The defect arises from a high voltage battery that may experience a thermal overload if charged over 80 percent capacity. This could cause the battery to overheat and potentially result in a vehicle fire. The recall notice highlights the serious risks associated with such fires, including the potential for serious injury or even death to those inside the car, as well as to other road users and bystanders. Additionally, property damage is also a concern.
Audi Australia has taken immediate action by contacting the owners of the affected vehicles to have their batteries inspected free of charge. In the meantime, owners have been advised to limit their charging target to 80 percent capacity. They can adjust this setting themselves through the charging target menu in the multi-media interface or myAudi app. The notice stresses the importance of regular battery inspections and potential replacements every four months until a software upgrade is developed.
This is not the first recall Audi has had to issue concerning their electric vehicles. In January 2024, they recalled 222 Audi e-Tron GT vehicles due to an issue with the sealing of the high-voltage battery housing. These incidents highlight the challenges and risks associated with new technologies, particularly in the automotive industry.
Despite these recalls, the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow in Australia. Recent data released by the Electric Vehicle Council shows that EV sales more than doubled in 2023, including both EVs and plug-in hybrids. Australians purchased 98,436 new EVs in 2023, accounting for 8.45 percent of new cars sold in the country. This increase in EV sales has been accompanied by a surge in charging infrastructure, with 348 new charging areas added across the country in 2023, representing a 75 percent increase from the previous year.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) emerged as the most popular jurisdiction for EV sales, with 21.9 percent of new vehicle sales being EVs. This demonstrates the growing acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles in Australia, driven by factors such as environmental consciousness, government incentives, and improvements in charging infrastructure.
In addition to Audi’s recall, other vehicle manufacturers have also recently issued recalls due to manufacturing defects. Suzuki has recalled 286 Suzuki JIMNY vehicles from 2018 to 2019 due to a fuel pump defect that could result in a loss of power and increase the risk of an accident. Ford has also issued a recall notice for the 2021 to 2023 Ford F150 RHD Long Wheel Base vehicle, affecting 2020 vehicles. However, this recall does not pose any safety hazards or impact vehicle performance. Instead, it concerns the installation of side direction indicator lamps that do not comply with Australian regulations.
These recalls serve as reminders of the importance of monitoring and addressing manufacturing defects promptly. Vehicle manufacturers must prioritize safety and take swift action to rectify any potential issues to protect their customers and the general public. As technology continues to advance, manufacturers must remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for their products.
