2022 BMW EV and iX electric SUV recalled in US over potential battery fire risk

BMW has recalled a small number of i4 electric sedans and iX SUVs in the USA with a potential risk of battery fire due to short circuits.

BMW has announced a recall for a select batch of its electric cars, as the company has identified that these models may have some internal damage to their high voltage batteries. If left unattended, the damage could also result in a short circuit. The recall notices have only been issued overseas as of now and to a small number of owners. The company has revealed that select i4 electric sedans and iX SUVs suffer through this damage. These models will be recalled for the concern of battery fires as US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) quotes that a short-circuit in a high voltage battery increases the risk of a fire.

"BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, 2022 i4 eDrive40, and i4 M50 vehicles. The high voltage battery may have internal damage, resulting in an electrical short-circuit," the administration said in a statement.

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, said the recall notice.

The recall was issued after BMW became aware of "a non-US field incident involving a 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40" last April, reports The Verge.

Two more "incidents" were reported in June, one in the US involving a 2022 iX xDrive50 and the other outside of the country involving a 2022 iX M60.

"Both were found to have debris in the battery cell, which is supplied by Samsung SDI," the report said late on Monday.

A BMW spokesperson said that "fortunately, the recall affects a very small number of vehicles".

"Our customer relations team has already proactively reached out to all of the owners of affected vehicles to provide information and assistance," the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

In June, Ford Motor recalled nearly 49,000 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers over battery safety concerns, and told dealers to temporarily halt selling the popular electric vehicle.

The malfunction involves a potential overheating of the vehicle`s battery high-voltage contactors, which can lead the vehicle to fail to start or lose power while in motion, reported CNBC.

The battery issue affects Mach-Es that were built from May 27, 2020, through May 24, 2022, at the automaker`s Mexico plant.

With inputs from IANS