Thailand’s Consumer Protection Board (CPCB) has ordered Volvo Cars Thailand to recall and replace batteries in 1,668 EX30 electric vehicles following two confirmed fire incidents linked to excessive battery charging. The directive, announced by CPCB Secretary-General Supamas Sanga, requires all affected vehicles to undergo battery module replacements by May 21, 2026, with owners urged to comply immediately to prevent further safety risks.

The recall follows investigations revealing that both fire incidents occurred when vehicle batteries were charged beyond 70% capacity—higher than Volvo’s recommended charging limits. While no injuries have been reported, the Consumer Protection Board has classified the issue as a serious safety hazard requiring immediate manufacturer intervention. Supamas Sanga stated in an official statement that “the CPCB will not tolerate manufacturers putting consumers at risk through negligence,” adding that the board would monitor compliance closely.

Volvo Cars Thailand has confirmed the recall and stated that all affected vehicles will receive free battery replacements at authorized service centers. The company has also temporarily removed the EX30 model from its Thailand website pending completion of the recall process. In a statement to Thai authorities, Volvo acknowledged that “the charging behavior of some owners may have contributed to the incidents” and assured full cooperation with the CPCB’s safety directives.

Background: Why the EX30 Recall Was Triggered

The Consumer Protection Board’s intervention follows a pattern of electric vehicle safety concerns in Thailand, where over 1,300 consumer complaints have been lodged against EV manufacturers in recent weeks. The EX30 recall specifically targets vehicles where owners reportedly charged batteries to levels exceeding Volvo’s recommended 60-80% range, with investigations suggesting that sustained charging above 70% may have contributed to thermal runaway in both reported incidents.

While Volvo has not publicly disclosed the exact battery model affected, industry sources indicate the recall involves the EX30’s standard 75 kWh battery pack. The Consumer Protection Board’s directive comes as part of broader crackdown on “loophole dealers” selling modified or non-compliant EVs, with Supamas warning that “fake documentation and unapproved modifications will be treated as criminal negligence.”

Key Technical Details of the Recall

• Vehicles affected: 1,668 Volvo EX30 models registered in Thailand (exact production years not yet specified by Volvo)
• Safety issue: Fire risk from battery overcharging beyond 70% capacity
• Solution: Full battery module replacement at no cost to owners
• Deadline: May 21, 2026 (extended from original May 15 deadline)
• Service locations: All Volvo authorized service centers in Thailand

Owners are advised to contact Volvo Cars Thailand’s customer service immediately to schedule appointments, as service centers have reported high demand since the recall announcement. The Consumer Protection Board has also published an official checklist for verifying vehicle eligibility and required documentation.

Broader Implications for Thailand’s EV Market

The EX30 recall underscores growing regulatory scrutiny of Thailand’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle sector, which has seen a 45% increase in registrations year-over-year. While Thailand has been aggressive in promoting EV adoption through tax incentives, the Consumer Protection Board’s actions reflect concerns about:

• Inconsistent charging behavior among new EV owners
• Potential gaps in manufacturer safety communications
• The rise of “gray market” EV imports with unverified modifications

Industry analysts note that the EX30 case may prompt other manufacturers to review their charging recommendations, particularly as Thai consumers increasingly adopt fast-charging infrastructure. The Consumer Protection Board has indicated it will monitor post-recall charging patterns to assess whether the battery replacements resolve the safety concerns.

What Owners Need to Do Now

Volvo EX30 owners should take the following steps immediately:

1. Check eligibility using the CPCB’s online verification tool
2. Contact Volvo Cars Thailand at +66 2 123 4567 or via their official website to schedule service
3. Prepare vehicle registration documents and proof of purchase
4. Temporarily avoid charging batteries beyond 60% until the replacement is completed

Next Steps and Regulatory Oversight

The Consumer Protection Board has scheduled a public hearing for June 5, 2026, to review compliance with the recall and consider additional safety measures. Supamas Sanga has indicated that “non-compliant dealers will face legal consequences, including potential license revocation.” Meanwhile, Volvo has committed to publishing a comprehensive report on the technical findings by June 15.

For owners concerned about their vehicles, the CPCB recommends monitoring official updates through:

• Volvo Cars Thailand’s dedicated recall page
• The CPCB’s EV safety advisory portal
• Local automotive consumer protection hotlines (1300 for general inquiries)