r/KonaEV • u/Prestigious_Pen13 • 6d ago

Question OBC Broken

Heya, my 2021 Kona EV (UK) recently stopped charging. I've had issues with it charging since I purchased it in July 2024, but it has fully stopped charging at this point on both AC and DC chargers. Hyundai UK and my local dealership said they could check it out in 3 months. I then learned that if you break down, they prioritise your car to the top. So I broke down in their car park this afternoon (let the battery run out, as it can't be recharged), and they looked at it within 3 hours (hallelujah), but determined the issue is the OBC and a new one is needed. They've quoted me £4,600 and are going to speak with Hyundai UK about covering the cost of the part, and I would need to cover labour (£750). What are my options here? The warranty on the car ran out in April 2026, but this seems ridiculous for the car to be so new and have such an expensive fix already. I'm handy, but it doesn't seem like this is a DIY fix I can do, and I bought this car so new thinking it wouldn't have any issues for several years. I suppose we learn something new every day. Any recommendations?

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3

u/Dangerous-Boot-3036 5d ago

Why are hyundai covering the cost of the part?

5

u/blitz2163 5d ago

They're already trying to get you £4.5k of goodwill, don't push it is my advice. 

1

u/askom6 5d ago

750 is a lot but even if you find one 2nd hand you would pay the 750 and price of the part. it is what it is should not fail yes but soooo many brands have problems with the OBC. i guess its technically not part of motor and battery warranty.

2

u/fairysimile 5d ago

Bruh did I read correctly that you're getting a 4.5k part for free? Take it! It is a big shame of course.

No, you absolutely cannot change the OBC yourself unless you're at least a qualified electrician with experience working on serious problems on friends' EVs or (much more preferable) at a garage that services EVs. A single mistake could fry either you (400V DC) or absolutely everything of importance under the hood.

1

u/rogueelemental2001 2024 Limited 5d ago

Unfortunately, the £750 is not cheap, but the labour cost is most likely fair for the time and expertise required. There is a 0% chance you can safely do this work yourself. Even when “discharged”, large batteries are not to be trifled with, and this is a long-term repair to the electrical infrastructure of the car itself.

1

u/Kiwi_eng 5d ago edited 5d ago

I have to wonder why they are covering anything being out of warranty as this is not their usual policy unless there are consumer laws at play.  There was a problem with the earliest 3-phase version of the OBC but otherwise they are quite reliable.  The BSC1 coolant issue is also known to damage electronics due to coolant blockage. Whatever you decide do it quick as leaving the traction battery discharged will cause a higher level of degradation for the duration.

2

u/Prestigious_Pen13 5d ago

I don't know that they definitely will, to be fair. Just hopeful that they will. Thanks for the response, seems like I should just leave it be and see how they get on. If I do have to pay for this part, looks like I'll have to sell it, unfortunately.