The Safety Crisis in China’s Electric Vehicle Industry
In the heart of Chengdu, China, a startling incident at Chengdu Tianfu Airport has reignited concerns about the safety of the country's electric vehicle (EV) industry. A BYD electric vehicle, operating in self-driving mode, spun out of control in a parking lot, performing over 100 rotations before being remotely stopped. This alarming event was captured on video and quickly spread across social media, drawing global attention to the growing safety issues within China’s rapidly expanding EV sector.
For years, the Chinese Communist Party has positioned its EV industry as a symbol of technological advancement and environmental innovation, supported by substantial subsidies and aggressive marketing campaigns. However, recent reports of spontaneous fires, battery failures, and quality defects have begun to overshadow these ambitions, turning what was once seen as a model for green technology into a cautionary tale of safety lapses and consumer distrust.
Rising Incidents and Public Concerns
Data from China’s National Fire and Rescue Administration reveals a troubling trend: a 32% increase in new energy vehicle (NEV) fires in the first quarter of 2024. On average, eight EVs catch fire daily, amounting to nearly 3,000 incidents annually. Notable cases include a Leapmotor C11 that ignited on January 19, 2024, and multiple BYD dealership fires in late 2023. These incidents are often linked to lithium-ion battery issues, prompting Zhejiang province to ban EVs from some parking garages.
While EV fires occur globally—Tesla reported 232 fires since 2013—China’s high incidence rate may be attributed to its massive EV market and, in some cases, lower-quality batteries or rushed production processes. The scale of China’s EV market makes it particularly vulnerable to such issues, raising questions about the long-term viability of its approach to green technology.
Rapid Growth and Quality Compromises
China’s rise in EV production has not followed the traditional path of slow innovation and rigorous testing. Instead, it has been driven by widespread unauthorized use of intellectual property, with manufacturers often extracting proprietary technology from foreign automakers through forced joint ventures, cyber espionage, and reverse engineering. This has led to a proliferation of substandard vehicles built on stolen blueprints but lacking the precision and safeguards necessary for safe operation.
The state-backed industry has prioritized quantity over quality, with hundreds of manufacturers entering the EV market lured by subsidies and market access. This influx has resulted in a patchwork of vehicles that often fail to meet international safety standards. The lack of incentive to ensure safety, reliability, or long-term performance has left consumers exposed to significant risks.
Shipping Disasters and Environmental Risks
One of the most alarming incidents occurred in early June 2025, when a cargo ship en route to Mexico caught fire near the Aleutian Islands. Aboard the vessel were more than 3,000 Chinese-manufactured vehicles, including 65 fully electric models and hundreds of hybrids. The blaze spread uncontrollably, forcing the crew to abandon ship. While no lives were lost, the ship drifted for weeks before sinking, and all its cargo was lost.
Preliminary investigations suggested the fire originated in the section where EVs were stored, with experts pointing to the volatility of lithium-ion batteries, especially when poorly manufactured. Bloomberg cited logistics analysts warning that Chinese-made EVs pose serious shipping risks due to unstable battery chemistry and minimal safety compliance.
Health and Safety Risks
Subpar manufacturing is not only causing visible explosions but also posing hidden health risks. In early July, an EV spontaneously combusted in Zuny Gujo, spewing flames and thick smoke in under a minute. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but the vehicle was reduced to ash. Suspected cause: faulty circuit wiring.
In another disturbing case, a man in Hanan collapsed after entering his EV, overcome by a foul odor traced to battery leakage. He was hospitalized with symptoms of chemical poisoning, and his brother also vomited from exposure. These incidents highlight a larger issue: safety oversight in China’s EV market is dangerously lacking. Manufacturers admit that odors from battery leaks may occur under certain conditions, yet buyers are offered no assurances or effective remedies.
Performance Failures and Consumer Distrust
Performance failures are compounding the crisis. EVs often promise sleek efficiency and long-range travel, but real-world usage paints a different picture. When temperatures climb above 38°C—common in China’s summer—vehicle range can plummet by over 30%. Air conditioning systems kick in to protect sensitive battery modules, quietly draining energy even while the car sits idle.
In one documented case, an EV consumed 50 kilometers worth of energy in a single day without moving an inch. Unlike gasoline vehicles, which perform more predictably in extreme weather and retain value over time, many Chinese EVs lose nearly all market value after five years, with dealers refusing to buy them back.
Political Priorities and Industry Challenges
At the core of these failures lies a political system more concerned with optics than outcomes. The CCP has bankrolled its EV industry with subsidies and protectionist policies, shielding it from competition and accountability. Manufacturers operate in a feedback loop of state praise and suppressed criticism. Quality testing is lax, and consumer complaints are brushed aside.
Moreover, many Chinese EV companies operate at financial losses, raising questions about their ability to honor warranties, maintain service networks, or invest in technological upgrades. Without a focus on excellence, Beijing has created a bubble of mediocrity now bursting under global scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
China’s ambitious push into the EV sector, intended to showcase its leadership in green technology, has encountered significant hurdles. Rather than gaining universal acclaim, the industry faces growing international scrutiny over quality and safety concerns. To maintain its global standing, China’s EV sector must address these challenges by prioritizing rigorous standards and transparent practices. As consumers, regulators, and international partners observe closely, Beijing has an opportunity to strengthen its approach to ensure sustainable success in a competitive global market.