South Korea launches probe into Mercedes-Benz EQE battery claims

South Korea's consumer watchdog has launched a group dispute resolution procedure against Mercedes-Benz Korea over allegations of misleading information about the batteries used in its EQE electric vehicles. The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) announced on August 3rd that the process is underway.

A group of 53 consumers has accused Mercedes-Benz Korea of falsely stating that EQE vehicles sold from June 2023 onwards were equipped with battery cells from China's CATL. The consumers allege that the vehicles actually contain battery cells from a different Chinese manufacturer, Parasis.

The affected models include the EQE 350+, EQE 350 4MATIC, EQE 53 4MATIC+, and EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. The KCA's Consumer Dispute Resolution Committee reviewed the case and decided to initiate the group dispute resolution process.

Consumers who purchased these EQE models, believing they were equipped with CATL batteries, between June 8, 2023, and August 12, 2024, are eligible to join the process. They can submit necessary documents, such as purchase agreements, via the KCA website. The agency plans to publicly announce the details and open applications for participation for at least 14 days through its website and newspapers.