In a striking turn of events, Xiaomi officials have addressed the recent fire incident involving their SU7 electric sedan in China, igniting widespread conversation online due to the dramatic explosive sounds reminiscent of fireworks that accompanied the flames.
This alarming incident took place on February 1 in Yingkou, located in Liaoning Province, which is in northern China. The fire's occurrence has raised questions and discussions regarding its underlying cause, particularly due to the surprising explosion-like effects witnessed during the incident.
According to an official release from Xiaomi Auto, the fire was first detected at the driver's seat of the Xiaomi SU7. The vehicle’s owner confirmed that the blaze originated from a leftover ignition source within the car, which subsequently ignited flammable materials situated nearby. While the specific ignition source has not been disclosed, Xiaomi representatives have clarified that the vehicle's battery was not responsible for this fire.
Xiaomi further explained that the explosive sounds, which many initially associated with a battery malfunction, were actually the result of the airbags deploying during the incident. Therefore, these concerning noises are not linked to any issues with the battery at all. Thankfully, fire services responded promptly, extinguishing the flames without any reported injuries.
It’s important to highlight that numerous recent electric vehicle fires in China have been attributed to combustible items left inside the vehicles. For instance, a fire involving an Avatr 06 sedan occurred in Fujian Province last October due to intense sunlight focusing on flammable objects placed on the central console, which ignited the passenger seat. Similarly, a Geely EX2 hatchback caught fire shortly after due to a combustible source within the cabin.
A brief overview of the Xiaomi SU7 reveals it as one of the most prominent electric cars in China's market, with an impressive delivery record of 258,164 units in the previous year, according to data from China EV DataTracker. Notably, Ford CEO Jim Farley has praised the SU7, labeling it as one of the standout Chinese electric vehicles.
The 2024 model year Xiaomi SU7 features dimensions of 4997/1963/1455 mm. Its all-wheel-drive variant boasts two electric motors generating a robust 495 kW (664 hp). The high-end Max version is equipped with a substantial 101 kWh ternary battery, providing an impressive range of up to 800 km based on the CLTC standard.
Excitingly, the latest iteration of the SU7 is set to debut in the domestic market on March 19, featuring significant upgrades such as dual-chamber air suspension, an extended range of up to 902 km, and enhanced peak power of 508 kW (681 hp). Pricing for the new model is expected to range between 229,900 and 309,900 yuan (approximately $33,115 to $44,640).
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