BYD’s latest showroom fire has left seven vehicles destroyed and raised questions about the safety of its EVs. What’s behind these frequent fires?
BYD has found itself in the spotlight again after another fire broke out at one of its showrooms in China. On May 16, a massive blaze erupted at a BYD showroom in Qingkou, Fujian Province, completely destroying seven vehicles and damaging several more. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the fire required seven fire trucks and a team of firefighters to extinguish. This incident marks the 10th time a BYD showroom has caught fire since 2021, raising concerns among consumers and industry watchers.
Videos of the fire quickly spread online, showing large clouds of smoke billowing into the sky and creating an eerie orange glow over the area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud bangs and pops as the fire raged, making it difficult for firefighters to approach the scene initially. The fire started at 12:32 a.m. and was mostly under control by 1:18 a.m., according to local reports.
BYD quickly issued a statement acknowledging the incident, suggesting that old wiring in the store’s roof or a short circuit might have caused the fire. It emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted in cooperation with relevant authorities. Despite early speculation that an electric vehicle in the showroom might have been the source of the fire, BYD checked the data and found no issues with the vehicle batteries.
This latest fire adds to a troubling pattern for BYD. Although electric vehicles (EVs) statistically catch fire far less often than gasoline-powered cars, BYD seems to be making headlines more frequently for these incidents. Some argue that this might simply be because BYD sells a large number of vehicles, increasing the likelihood of such reports. Still, it’s worth noting this is the 10th fire at a BYD showroom in less than three years.
EV fires, while rare, can be particularly challenging to manage due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can produce large amounts of oxygen when they overheat, making fires difficult to extinguish. Videos have even shown EVs burning underwater, although cooling the battery pack can help end the fire more quickly. Thermal runaways, where a problem with the battery cells causes them to overheat, are a known risk, although such incidents are still relatively uncommon.
BYD is not alone in facing these challenges. Other major EV manufacturers, including Tesla, have also dealt with battery fire issues. For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt EV had several high-profile fires, leading to one of the largest recalls in EV history.
Despite these setbacks, BYD remains a significant player in the global EV market, often competing closely with Tesla. Recently, BYD launched its Shark plug-in hybrid pickup truck in Mexico and plans to build a factory there. However, the manufacturer has stated it has no intention of selling its cars in the U.S., especially with the recent 100% tariffs imposed on Chinese EVs by the Biden Administration.
The fire in Fuzhou is another blow to BYD’s reputation, but the carmaker is committed to investigating the cause and preventing future incidents. With an estimated 5 million yuan (around $692,600) in damages, this incident underscores the challenges that even leading EV manufacturers face as they navigate safety concerns and market expansion.
