Supamas has ordered the Consumer Protection Board to summon the electric car manufacturer to explain the recent fire incident involving a well-known EV brand. After the company claimed the fire was due to charging beyond capacity, she said the explanation felt conflicting and insisted that the cause of the fire and the battery replacement timeline must be clearly clarified.
At 9:38 a.m. on 19 May 2026 at Government House, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, spoke about the fire incident involving a Volvo EX30 electric vehicle that caught fire while charging at a consumer’s home on 15 May 2026. She assigned Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, to chair a follow-up meeting with the Consumer Protection Board and the EV brand’s operator. Previously, the company stated the fire was not their fault, blaming the user for overcharging the battery. After hearing this, Supamas said it conflicted with her feelings and wanted to address the emotional aspect first.
A meeting between the Consumer Protection Board and the EV brand operator is scheduled for Thursday, 21 May, to discuss the clear timeline for battery replacements for 1,668 recalled vehicles. It is also known that over 800 batteries will be imported next month. They will also discuss compensation for users who will be without cars during the recall. Finally, the cause of the fire must be explained. The company previously claimed users charged the battery beyond 70%, but in reality, it can be charged up to 100%, which is well known to everyone.
Supamas also stated that 45 complaints have been filed concerning this incident. Some complainants have not experienced the issue but are worried about it. Additionally, the Consumer Protection Board can pursue civil litigation on behalf of consumers. When asked if other models of this brand have issues, Supamas said no reports have been received, and that the affected model is a popular one for this brand.
When asked about frequent problems with electric vehicles recently and how manufacturers will be urged to act, Supamas said that in reality, problems are not widespread. However, some companies have shut down, raising concerns about after-sales service. Some issues are minor inconveniences rather than dangerous. Fairness must be maintained for both consumers and manufacturers. She concluded by saying clean energy is something the government wants to support so the public can use globally standardized clean energy.