In China, an accident involving a BYD Qin L plug-in hybrid and a Mazda 3 Axela gasoline sedan caused widespread discussion. Videos from the scene quickly spread on social media, as the consequences of the collision proved to be very illustrative in the context of modern discussions about the safety of vehicles with traction batteries.
Judging by the published footage, the cars collided at an angle of about 45 degrees. The BYD sustained serious damage to the front of the body, but its battery system maintained its protective functions. There was no battery fire.
At the same time, the second participant in the accident – a Mazda 3 of the 2014–2019 generation – caught fire after the impact. The fire quickly engulfed the engine compartment and the front of the body.
According to preliminary data, no one was killed or seriously injured in the accident. Everyone in the cars was able to leave the vehicles on their own before the emergency services arrived.
Specialists paid particular attention to the operation of BYD's safety systems. After the collision, the electronics automatically disconnected the car's high-voltage system, isolating the battery from damaged power plant components. Airbags and the transmission lock system also activated.
The Qin L uses the proprietary lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery. This type of battery is considered one of the most resistant to overheating and mechanical damage among modern traction batteries. Unlike some other chemical compositions, LFP cells are less prone to thermal runaway when deformed.
The story is also remarkable because it once again calls into question the widespread stereotype that electric vehicles and hybrids pose the greatest risk of fire after an accident. In practice, a fire can occur in both a battery-powered car and a car with a traditional internal combustion engine. At the same time, much depends on the car's design, the nature of the impact, and the effectiveness of protection systems.
For Chinese manufacturers, such real-world incidents are an important demonstration of how seriously the industry today takes the safety of traction batteries. Especially against the backdrop of tightening national requirements for battery protection, which will come into force in China in the coming years.