Car firm boss admits fire risk 'scary' as 10,500 EVs in UK recalled

The recall of 10,500 electric vehicles across the UK due to potential battery fires is "scary", a carmaker's British chief has acknowledged. Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo UK's managing director, confirmed that a "tiny percentage" of its EX30 SUVs have ignited worldwide.

Some 40,000 models are being recalled globally. Motorists have been instructed not to charge their batteries above 70 per cent.

Speaking on the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast, Ms Melillo Shaw said: "I completely empathise with anyone who's experienced this. We have a proportion of our EX30 cars that have had risk of catching fire when they've been charged beyond 70%.

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"So as a safety brand and safety being our top priority, we have advised customers not to charge beyond 70% until we find a fix. I appreciate it's quite scary to hear that message."

Ms Melillo Shaw recognised it is "very inconvenient" to only charge up to 70%.

She continued: "We've been working really hard and quickly to get to a solution, which we now have. We found the root cause and I expect next week to be able to get those cars in and start to fix them.

"We are going to contact the customers who've had that issue to then look at how we fix the battery modules."

She was unable to specify when the vehicles will be repaired. Ms Melillo Shaw pointed out there had been "no fatalities" from the fires and emphasised there were "significantly fewer electric cars that catch fire than petrol".

What to do if you own a Volvo EX30

The manufacturer has confirmed it will reach out to all affected owners. Motorists can also get in touch with their nearest Volvo dealership or contact the manufacturer directly to determine whether their vehicle falls within the affected batch.

Volvo has set up a dedicated recall page containing additional details and a verification tool. There will be no charges for anything related to the recall.

A statement on the UK Government's recalls website noted: "Volvo Cars is confident that limiting the battery's maximum state of charge to 70% will eliminate the risk of overheating. Additionally, we would advise the following precautions.

"Do not leave your vehicle unattended while charging within buildings or covered areas. If you see any vehicle warnings in the car or app during or after charging, seek assistance. Currently, the investigation is still ongoing with the final service solution being developed."