Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors has recalled over 4,000 electric vehicles (EV) in Japan, due to the defective batteries.
The recall affected 4,313 units of the Outlander plug-in hybrids in Japan as well as 17 units of i-MiEVs and 98 Minicab i-MiEVs in Europe and the US.
Batteries of the vehicles were liable to short-circuit due to the being dropped by the workers or due to the application of extra force during the screening process, both of which damage parts of the battery cells to break off and contaminate the cells.
The damaged cells resulted in melting of the lithium ion battery packs and catch fire.
According to the reuters, the batteries in the vehicles are supplied to the manufacturer by its joint venture, Lithium Energy Japan, which is owned by GS Yuasa.
Earlier, the automaker had recalled 3,839 units of hybrid vehicles in Japan over the defect in the vehicles motor controls computer program and oil leaks.
