VoltVibeX Community - EV News
Share This Post
When Safety Fails: What Two Recent EV Recalls Reveal About Electric Mobility Risks
Date Posted: Jul 29, 2025
Introduction
In the last few weeks, two significant recalls have shaken both ends of the electric vehicle spectrum — from budget e-bikes to high-end electric cars. While these events may seem unrelated at first glance, they share a common root: safety risks in critical components, from batteries to braking systems. If you're a current or future EV user, or simply someone interested in the evolution of electric mobility, these cases are a wake-up call worth understanding.
Case 1: 24,000 VIVI E-Bikes Recalled Over Battery Fire Risk
Earlier this month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of approximately 24,000 VIVI e-bikes, a budget-friendly brand sold through major platforms like Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and AliExpress.
The issue? Lithium-ion battery packs not certified to UL safety standards. At least 14 incidents of battery overheating were reported, including 3 actual fires. No injuries were confirmed, but the danger is clear. VIVI customers are now urged to stop using their bikes immediately and request a free replacement battery and charger, as well as dispose of the faulty battery via hazardous waste procedures.
These e-bikes, sold between December 2020 and November 2023 and priced between $365 and $950, were among the most affordable full-size e-bikes available. But affordability came at a high cost: cut corners on safety certifications.
Case 2: 14,000 Volvo EVs And PHEVs Recalled Over Potential Brake Failure
At the other end of the EV market, Volvo issued a recall of 14,014 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. due to a software issue that could cause the brakes to fail under specific conditions.
The problem affects vehicles using software version 3.5.14 of the Brake Control Module. If a driver coasts downhill in “One Pedal Drive” (for EVs) or “B mode” (for PHEVs) without pressing the accelerator or brake pedal for more than 1 minute and 40 seconds, the braking system might fail entirely.
Volvo responded with an over-the-air (OTA) update rolled out on June 16, bringing affected cars to version 3.6.4. Until the update is installed, owners are advised not to use those specific driving modes.
This is not the first time Volvo has faced safety concerns in 2025: earlier this year, they recalled around 7,500 PHEVs over battery cell defects that posed a fire hazard.
What We Think At VoltVibeX
At VoltVibeX, we believe these incidents reflect two sides of the same challenge: ensuring trust and safety as electric mobility becomes mainstream.
In the VIVI case, we see the dangers of sacrificing safety for price, especially in the fast-growing low-cost e-bike market. UL certification for batteries isn't just a technicality — it's a lifesaving standard. Cheap doesn’t have to mean risky, and it’s our duty as a community to push for transparency and accountability in battery sourcing.
With Volvo, even a premium automaker with OTA capabilities isn’t immune to flaws. Software-related recalls will likely become more common as EVs evolve into computers on wheels. What matters is how fast brands respond and communicate clearly with users.
From our perspective, these events reinforce a core principle of our brand: quality and safety should never be optional. Whether it’s an accessory, a gadget, or a charging solution, we only partner with suppliers and manufacturers who meet high standards of safety, compliance, and performance.
What This Means For The Future Of EVs
Consumer awareness is rising: Shoppers are learning to look beyond price and check for safety certifications (UL, CE, etc.).
Software is now part of the safety equation: As vehicles rely more on code, over-the-air updates become essential — and so does transparency.
Expect tighter regulations: Especially for batteries and software in electric mobility, from scooters to cars.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re riding an e-bike or driving a luxury EV, safety starts long before the road. At VoltVibeX, we’ll keep tracking news like this to help you stay informed — and safe.
What do you think? Should e-bike batteries without UL certification be banned entirely? Join the conversation below or write to us.
Sources