BMW has recall certain i4 and iX electric vehicles due to the risk of battery fires. The issue has been narrowed down to 83 cars, including 56 BMW iX electric SUVs and 27 BMW i4 electric sedans, which may have had faulty high-voltage batteries. The business has said that it would repair the damaged battery packs at no cost.
The two EVs do, in fact, have large battery packs - a 111.5 kWh pack in the iX and an 83.9 kWh pack in the i4. Damage to the battery pack might lead to the worst-case scenario for electric vehicles: fire. The corporation has advised owners not to charge or drive their vehicles.
BMW North America is recalling 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, and 2022 i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 cars. According to the NHTSA website, the explanation is that the high voltage battery may have internal deterioration, resulting in an electrical short-circuit.
"Owners are advised not to drive or charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the high voltage battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on September 19, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Owners will also be contacted by phone."
While battery fires are uncommon, they remain a major issue for EV manufacturers. More study is needed, but researchers believe that the great majority of EVs are not at risk of battery fires. When flames do break out, EVs with lithium-ion batteries burn hotter, quicker, and require more water to extinguish – a fact that has prompted several municipalities to educate their emergency personnel for such events.