China’s Electric Explosions: 7 EVs catch fire each day
In recent years China recorded several fire-related incidents involving new energy vehicles. The data recorded by the Chinese Fire and Rescue Department of the Ministry of Emergency Department on 3rd April 3,640 electrical vehicles caught fire in the first quarter of this year, 32% higher than earlier. This means there are about 7 electric vehicles prone to catch fire daily.According to Car News China, when comparing the numbers mentioned above to the past two years there have been 86 electric car fires reported. Once this news was out there was a lot of contemplation amongst the people of China about the decision to purchase Electric Vehicles.
Brands that were involved
According to Global Times, the AITO M5, the first Harmony OS-powered electric vehicle placed in a store in Mongolia was burned to the frame and killed two people. The cause of death for the two killed was said to be asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning.
In Heyuan City, Guangdong Province on the 11th of June two brand new electric vehicles exploded while charging and were burned to their chassis. The same other E-vehicle exploded in Hefei City. on 207 Xudong Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang City. Firefighters and reporters heard a loud explosion and saw a large fire. According to Tencent.com, the electric car on fire was an Ora brand owned by Hebei Great Wall Motors, it was only less than two years old.
Recently, BYD, China’s largest new energy vehicle manufacturer has also experienced many fire-related incidents involving new-energy vehicles. BYD to date has recorded a total of 11 fires from the year 2020 to 2022. Another brand by the name of Li Cars recorded 5 fires. Xpeng recorded 4 fires and NIO has recorded only one fire to date reported by the Chinese media.
The researchers claim that among the causes of the rise in electric car fires in China might be the usage of low-cost materials in manufacturing these electric vehicles.