Hyundai is recalling over 145,000 electric vehicles from its Ioniq and Genesis lines due to a 12-volt battery charging issue that could cause the EVs to lose drive power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall affects popular models such as the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70 (Electrified), and Genesis G80, produced between 2022 and 2025.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the cause of the issue is the vehicles' Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which is prone to internal electrical faults. When the ICCU fails, a series of driver warnings appear, and the vehicle activates a "fail-safe" driving mode that slowly reduces drive power over 20 to 40 minutes.

Hyundai will instruct owners to take their affected vehicles to dealerships to replace the ICCU and its associated fuse and install new software to prevent overvoltage that could damage the part again. The company has already implemented the improved ICCU software as a production running change for the affected vehicles as of November 2nd.

This is not the first time Hyundai has faced a widespread recall of its electric vehicles. In 2021, over 80,000 Kona EVs were recalled due to a fire risk caused by an LG battery defect after reports of a dozen battery fires. Other electric vehicle manufacturers, including Porsche, Lucid, Ford, and the now-defunct Fisker, have also issued recalls regarding power loss issues in the past.

The recall highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the electric vehicle industry, where safety and reliability are paramount. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow, manufacturers must prioritize addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

Hyundai will notify owners of affected vehicles via mail starting in January and will provide reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses related to this recall. Owners are advised to take their vehicles to dealerships as soon as possible to ensure their safety on the road.

The recall serves as a reminder that even as electric vehicles become increasingly popular, manufacturers must continue to prioritize safety and reliability to maintain consumer trust and confidence in the technology.