Xiaomi, the Chinese technology giant better known for its smartphones, is facing public outrage after one of its SU7 electric sedans reportedly caught fire following a crash in Chengdu, leaving the driver trapped inside.
According to local media and a Bloomberg report, the vehicle’s electronic door system failed to unlock after impact, preventing bystanders from rescuing the driver as flames engulfed the car.
Police said preliminary investigations suggest the driver may have been intoxicated, but the focus has quickly shifted to whether Xiaomi’s smart-car technology hindered escape and rescue efforts.
The SU7, launched in early 2024 as Xiaomi’s first electric sedan, features flush electronic door handles and a suite of digital safety systems.
Experts say that while such innovations improve aerodynamics and aesthetics, they also risk catastrophic failure in emergencies if there are no manual overrides.
“Smart features are meaningless if they compromise basic safety,” said one automotive engineer quoted in Chinese media.
The crash has reignited a wider debate about the safety of electric vehicles and the growing reliance on electronic systems in modern cars. Companies such as Tesla and BYD have faced similar scrutiny in recent years.
Images and videos of the burning vehicle spread rapidly on Chinese social media over the weekend, prompting demands for greater transparency and accountability from Xiaomi.
The company’s shares fell more than five percent in Hong Kong trading on Monday. Xiaomi has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
