The universe of electric cars has just been shaken by a tragic event in China. A fatal accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 cost three passenger life, raising important questions about batteries. This affair reveals a surprising fact: even the most sure batteries on the market can yield in certain extreme circumstances.
Xiaomi SU7: the accident that shocked China
The incident occurred on a portion of highway under construction, where the Xiaomi SU7 struck a concrete post at very high speed. The consequences were dramatic, with the death of the three occupants. This first fatal accident involving Xiaomi flagship electric model caused a shock wave in the industry.
Faced with this tragedy, Xiaomi was quick to react publicly to clarify the operation of driving aid systems equipping this vehicle. The brand wanted to demonstrate its transparency in this particularly sensitive case. Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, said that “whatever happens, Xiaomi will not hide”, testifying to the importance given to this event by the manufacturer.
Unexpected revelation: BYD batteries and not catl
The accident highlighted an important technical element: contrary to what many thought, the batteries equipped with the damaged Xiaomi SU7 were not provided by CATL, world leader in the sector. By responding to an investor, CATL formally denied being the supplier of the cells present in this specific vehicle.
This information points to byd as the only possible supplier. The Chinese brand, Second world producer of batteries Via its subsidiary Findreams, teams many manufacturers around the world, including Tesla. This revelation is particularly significant because BYD batteries are renowned for their exceptional security.
LFP technology put to the test
The Xiaomi SU7 involved in the accident was equipped with an LFP (Lithium-Fer-Phosphate) battery of 73,6 kWh. This technology is precisely that which is considered to be the safest in the current electric automotive market.
The LFP batteries have several advantages compared to the NMC (Nickel-Manganesse-Cobalt batteries):
- A Higher resistance to thermal excavation
- A Increased chemical stability Even in the event of an impact
- A lifespan generally longer
- A lower production cost
This type of battery is teaming up with many vehicles today, including Tesla entry-level models, various Chinese electric cars, and several European models such as the Citroën Ë-C3.
-Xiaomi sophisticated protection systems
Xiaomi did not skimp on the means to secure its battery. On its official website, the manufacturer details the measurements taken to protect the battery pack of its SU7:
| Position | Type of protection | Number of diapers |
|---|---|---|
| Underneath | High resistance protection (similar to bulletproof coating) | 8 couches |
| Sides | Thermal insulation | 3 couches |
| Above | Isolation | 3 couches |
Unfortunately, the exceptional violence of the impact has surpassed these 14 protective layers. This event shows that even the most advanced systems have their limits in the face of extreme shocks.
Electric cars remain statistically safer
Despite this tragic accident, the event should be placed in its statistical context. The data is formal: electric cars ignite significantly less often than their thermal counterparts.
Tesla, for example, says its electric vehicles have 86% less risks to take fire compared to thermal motor cars. These figures come from analyzes on large fleets and confirm the superior overall security of electric vehicles in the face of fire risks.
The media coverage of rare incidents involving electric batteries often creates a biased perception of the real risk. For each ignite battery, thousands of fuel tanks take fire to the world every year, without arouing the same media attention.
The Xiaomi SU7 accident reminds us that absolute security does not exist, whatever the engine. He also underlines the importance of continuing research to further improve the resistance of batteries to extreme situations, while keeping in mind that electric mobility remains statistically one of the safest options available today.
Written by François Zhang-Ming
I have always shown great interest in science and technology from a very young age. I have a double culture, Chinese by my mother and French by my father but also by my studies, which allows me to be very familiar with the technological innovations of the Far East.
