SINGAPORE – Illegal modifications and unauthorised repairs remain longstanding safety concerns for electric vehicles (EVs).

And though these modifications pose risks to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as well, repercussions could be more serious for EVs.

This was raised by BYD Singapore managing director James Ng.

Mr Ng, who is also the managing director of BYD Philippines, spoke at a roundtable organised by The Straits Times on March 27.

He added that BYD has to be “very careful” to warn its customers to not engage an unauthorised party for modifications after they buy a BYD car.

And for EVs that get into accidents, unauthorised repairs could lead to safety risks as they could increase the possibility of the vehicle catching fire, said Mr Ng.

This is a concern because EV fires can burn more intensely and for longer periods than ICE vehicle fires, with a risk of reignition.

Mr Ng said clearer rules are needed to authorise workshops that can undertake rep...