The news spread quickly.
A modern electric sedan. A respected technology brand. A sudden fire.
Yes, the Xiaomi SU7 electric car reportedly caught fire in Yingkou, Liaoning Province, China, on February 1st. Naturally, the internet began asking the same question: Was it the battery?
However, the official explanation tells a different story.
According to Xiaomi Auto’s statement, the fire did not originate from the battery system. Instead, it began in the driver’s seat area due to a residual ignition source inside the vehicle that ignited nearby flammable materials. Furthermore, what many described as a “firework-like explosion” was reportedly caused by airbag deployment, not battery combustion.
So what really happened? And more importantly — what does this mean for electric vehicle owners worldwide?
Let’s explore this carefully, step by step.
The Real Cause Behind the Xiaomi SU7 Fire
At first glance, many assumed this was another electric battery failure case. After all, electric car fires often trigger public anxiety.
However, Xiaomi clarified several crucial points:
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The fire originated in the driver’s seat area.
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The vehicle owner confirmed there was a residual ignition source inside the cabin.
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Flammable materials nearby were ignited.
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The explosion-like sound came from airbag deployment, not the battery.
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Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly.
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No injuries were reported.
Therefore, this was not a battery thermal runaway event — the scenario most feared in EV incidents.
Interestingly, similar cases have occurred in China. For instance:
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An Avatr 06 sedan caught fire due to light exposure interacting with an accessory in the center console.
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A Geely EX2 hatchback ignited due to a fire source inside the cabin.
In both situations, the battery was not the primary cause.
Consequently, the pattern is becoming clearer: flammable objects inside vehicles pose serious risks, whether the car is electric or conventional.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — many drivers underestimate what they leave inside their cars.
Electric Cars Are Safe — But Only If We Use Them Wisely
Electric vehicles represent advanced engineering. They are equipped with:
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High-voltage protection systems
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Battery management systems (BMS)
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Thermal monitoring
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Smart diagnostics
Yet, even the smartest vehicle cannot prevent a fire caused by:
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Lighters
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Aerosol cans
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Power banks
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Aftermarket accessories
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Poor wiring modifications
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Flammable seat covers or materials
In Indonesia, the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has also begun adapting its investigative approach for electric vehicles. According to KNKT Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono, EV investigations require different expertise compared to conventional vehicles.
In one case, what was initially believed to be an EV fire turned out to be an electrical short circuit. The issue occurred because the wiring system shifted, rubbed against the vehicle body, and eventually peeled off — causing thick smoke.
In other words, not all smoke means fire. And not all fires mean battery failure.
Therefore, awareness and professional inspection are critical.
Why This Incident Should Make You More Careful — Not Fearful
Let’s be honest.
Every new technology faces scrutiny. Electric vehicles are no exception. However, fear should not replace facts.
Instead, this Xiaomi SU7 case teaches us something deeper:
Safety is shared responsibility.
Manufacturers must design robust systems.
Authorities must improve investigation competence.
And drivers must maintain responsible usage.
So before you panic about EV safety, ask yourself:
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Have you installed non-certified accessories?
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Do you store flammable objects inside your vehicle?
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Have you conducted regular electrical inspections?
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Do you rely on authorized service centers?
Because prevention is always cheaper than repair. And certainly cheaper than regret.
Protect Your Investment: Choose Certified EV Inspection & Maintenance Services
If you already own an electric vehicle — or plan to purchase one — now is the time to act wisely.
Professional EV service providers can help you:
✔ Inspect wiring systems
✔ Detect early short circuit risks
✔ Evaluate battery health
✔ Remove unsafe modifications
✔ Install certified accessories
✔ Provide safety audits
Don’t wait for smoke to appear.
Instead, schedule a comprehensive EV safety inspection with a certified service center. Many providers now offer specialized electric vehicle diagnostics designed specifically for brands like Xiaomi, BYD, Tesla, Hyundai, and others.
Moreover, routine professional inspection protects not only your vehicle — but also your family.
The Future of EV Safety Starts With You
The Xiaomi SU7 fire was alarming. Yet, it was also revealing.
The battery was not the cause.
The explosion was not a battery blast.
No one was injured.
Therefore, the real lesson is responsibility, not fear.
Electric vehicles are part of our sustainable future. However, safety depends on informed ownership and expert maintenance.
So, if you drive an EV today — or plan to tomorrow — take action now:
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Remove flammable items.
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Avoid unsafe modifications.
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Book a certified EV inspection.
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Choose authorized service partners.
Because in the end, technology protects us — but only when we respect it.
And sometimes, the smallest spark begins with something we overlooked.
Don’t overlook yours.