LEE MOBILITY, a South Korean startup developing electric vehicle (EV) fire suppression solutions, has secured seed funding from BluePoint Partners. LEE MOBILITY was discovered by BluePoint Partners through the fourth season of “The GS Challenge Future Energy,” an open innovation program in collaboration with GS Energy.

LEE MOBILITY’s solution is unique in that it allows immediate fire suppression by penetrating the underside of the battery without the need to lift the vehicle, addressing the fire at its source in its earliest stages. The company is developing both embedded systems for installation at EV charging stations and mobile systems.

In South Korea, there were around 70 EV fires last year, yet there is no effective suppression system in place to control battery thermal runaway. Earlier this month, a fire in the underground parking lot of an apartment complex in Cheongna, Incheon, led to over 800 vehicles being either completely burned or damaged by smoke, heightening public concern about EV fires.

LEE MOBILITY’s solution can reduce the time needed to suppress an EV fire, which can currently take up to 72 hours, to approximately 10 minutes, with complete suppression achievable within 20 minutes. The system can be remotely operated, enhancing safety while also minimizing toxic gas emissions and firefighting wastewater, offering significant environmental benefits.

In late July, LEE MOBILITY was selected as an innovative product by the Public Procurement Service, making it eligible for direct purchase by public institutions. This selection also adds points during institutional evaluations, marking a successful entry into the public sector.

The founding team, led by CEO Jae-hwan Lee, a former university professor, is composed of experts with deep expertise in the relevant field. The team has been praised for its rapid execution and innovative approach in a market lacking effective solutions.

Kim Min-seon, Senior Investment Officer at BluePoint Partners, who led the investment, stated, “As the severity of EV fires increases each year, technology that can actively suppress these fires is essential for both the market and the environment. LEE MOBILITY’s solution not only enhances effectiveness and safety but also dramatically reduces time and costs, showing great growth potential not only in the domestic market but also globally.”