A Volvo EX30 caught fire, leading customers to appear on the 'Hon Krasae' program expressing concerns about repeated issues and urging the company to buy back cars or replace models. Experts Assadawut Asasanpaki and Pop Kungkeu from EV Shop indicated the problem might be due to heat buildup in battery cells causing a short circuit, advising checks for other electric vehicles using the same battery batch.
Kanchai Kamnerdploy Host Kanchai Kamnerdploy invited an electric vehicle owner of a Volvo EX30 onto the 'Hon Krasae' program following concerns after a Volvo EX30 caught fire due to battery problems. Key details are as follows.
Mr. Tom, the owner of the Volvo EX30 that caught fire, explained that the fire occurred in a parking lot where he had parked after returning from charging. He had charged the battery to about 80%, exceeding Volvo's recommended 70%, as he needed to travel long distances the next day.
Only minutes after parking, he was alerted that the car was on fire. Despite using over 23 fire extinguishers, the fire could not be controlled and spread quickly, threatening nearby buildings, other vehicles, and flammable items such as kitchen gas cylinders. Rescue teams and firefighters later contained the situation.
"I feel that Volvo's response has been insufficient. Customers buy cars expecting 100% usability but end up risking life and property. Limiting charging to 70% is not a clear or comprehensive solution. I have never been directly contacted by Volvo since purchasing the car," he said.
The customer was unaware of this risk for two years and usually charged the battery to 90-100%. The 70% charging recommendation was introduced only recently. Despite contacting the service center since early this year, he has yet to receive a battery replacement.
The demands of Volvo EX30 electric vehicle users include:
1. Buyback: Many consumers want Volvo to repurchase the cars at a fair price.
2. Model replacement: Some suggest switching to other car models.
3. Appropriate compensation: They seek compensation for damages and inconvenience caused.
Automotive expert Assadawut Asasanpaki said the first incident occurred in November last year in Brazil. Volvo has a safety protocol system reporting data to Sweden, informing global Volvo customers of the issue. While investigating, heat is suspected as the cause, leading to a recommendation not to charge beyond 70%, stricter than other brands that suggest 80%. The second fire happened in Hong Kong in February, increasing Volvo's confidence that the battery is the issue.
The battery factory in China was inspected, and Volvo is seeking solutions such as replacing entire batteries or modules, which involves complex manufacturing and logistics. After the first fire in Thailand in March 2026, Volvo temporarily halted sales of this model and invited customers to check their vehicle's status.
"The problem is not limited to the Volvo EX30 but may also affect other electric vehicles using the same battery batch. Charging beyond 70% or heat buildup during driving could lead to fires," he added.
A key warning sign is when an electric vehicle’s emergency lights start flashing, indicating an abnormal defect. If it were me, I would step back cautiously, unsure of what problem might occur.
Mr. Anupong Charoenwet, Director of Consumer Protection Division 2, or the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), said they are currently overseeing the safety of the Volvo EX30 and handling civil cases of affected consumers. The CPB has been involved since March 2026 when Volvo reported the malfunction and their customer care plans.
However, the Product Safety Committee found Volvo's corrective plan inadequate, commenting that Volvo must improve it as the process is taking too long, and the fire incident occurred before resolution.
The Committee ordered Volvo to test the product’s hazard potential. If test results are credible technically, Volvo must proceed with the plan or improvements. Otherwise, the product will be classified as hazardous, requiring the importer to remove it from the market. The CPB is also considering issues of false advertising. Meanwhile, ministers and advisors plan to invite Volvo for discussions on further corrective measures.
Pop Kungkeu from EV Shop explained that a battery has positive and negative terminals separated by a separator. Frequent charging or use changes the shape of battery cells, making them sharp. These sharp parts can pierce the separator, creating holes or gaps. When the separator is breached, positive and negative terminals contact each other, causing a fire. Heat is the accelerating factor, occurring during charging or vehicle use.
When asked if the battery problem affects only the Volvo EX30 or other models, Pop Kungkeu replied, "Yes, the battery used in the Volvo EX30 is supplied by one particular manufacturer."