Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars is recalling more than 40,000 of its electric EX30 SUVs worldwide due to a potential battery overheating risk, Reuters reports.
The batteries were produced by a Geely-backed joint venture in China. Volvo, which is majority-owned by China’s Geely, said it will replace the affected high-voltage battery modules free of charge.
Volvo has advised owners to limit charging to 70 percent until repairs are completed. While recalls are not uncommon in the EV industry, battery safety remains particularly sensitive for manufacturers whose brand identity is closely tied to safety.
Recall hits key model at sensitive time
The EX30 is a key model in Volvo’s push to compete in the fast-growing electric vehicle market, including against lower-cost Chinese brands.
Analysts say to Reuters the recall could prove costly and comes at a sensitive time as the company pursues cost savings and deeper integration with its Chinese parent.
