Volvo Is Being Sued By Thailand Over Two EX30 Fires, One Of Which Burnt A Ranger

The problem with a recall is that it is only effective if the remedy gets released before the incident you were attempting to stop. Following two local fires, Thailand’s consumer protection authorities filed a lawsuit against Volvo, three months after the company withdrew over 40,000 electric EX30s globally due to a battery fire risk.

Following two high-profile fires involving the electric crossover, Volvo officials met with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) earlier this week. The first fire occurred in Bangkok around March 25, and the second occurred on May 15 at the owner’s house while an EX30 was plugged in and charging. In addition to damaging the building, the fire swiftly spread to a Ford Ranger parked next to the Volvo.

Both of the EX30s that caught fire in Thailand were charged above the 70 percent limit that Volvo had advised as a temporary safety precaution, according to the recall that Volvo issued in February. Local authorities have initiated a civil lawsuit and are requesting damages and reimbursements for owners because they are not satisfied with this answer.

Owners Want Refunds

Tanchanok Nowsuwan, a local EX30 owner, told Reuters that most owners prefer a complete refund over a new battery. Both Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models are affected by the EX30 recall.

Volvo Car Thailand stated in an online post that replacing the battery packs on each impacted model will take about three days. It stated, “Volvo Car Thailand would like to express our serious concern regarding the two recent fire accidents affecting Volvo EX30 vehicles.” “We have swiftly given individuals the necessary support and remediation, and we have continuously watched and properly reviewed each instance.”

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