A tragic incident involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle in Chengdu, China, has cast a harsh spotlight on the potential dangers of modern automotive design, where aesthetics can sometimes compromise fundamental safety. The fatal crash, which resulted in the death of a 31-year-old driver, has been attributed to a critical failure of the vehicle’s electronic door handle system, trapping the occupant inside the burning car.
Xiaomi SU7 Door Handle Fails After High-Speed Collision
The incident occurred in the early morning hours when the driver, who was reportedly intoxicated, lost control of the vehicle at an incredible speed. According to telemetry data recovered from the car, it reached a speed of 203 km/h (126 mph) just three seconds before impact. The subsequent high-speed collision was so severe that it immediately severed the car’s low-voltage (12V) electrical circuit.
This power loss proved catastrophic. The Xiaomi SU7, like many modern EVs, is equipped with flush, electronic door handles that retract into the body for a sleek, aerodynamic profile. However, with the 12V system disabled, these handles became completely inoperable from the outside. Furthermore, the vehicle lacked an external mechanical override, leaving no way for rescuers to open the doors.
Eyewitnesses reported that the car burst into flames shortly after the crash, and they watched helplessly as they were unable to get the doors open. While the SU7 does have an internal mechanical emergency release, its placement inside a storage compartment at the bottom of the door panel made it impossible for anyone to reach from outside through the broken window, especially with the vehicle on fire.
A Pattern of Incidents and Regulatory Response
This is not an isolated event for the new automaker. The Chengdu crash marks the third fire-related incident involving a Xiaomi vehicle in 2025, raising significant concerns about its safety standards. Another fatal crash earlier in the year also involved reports of the doors failing to open post-collision, igniting a major debate within the automotive industry.
In response to these tragedies and growing public outcry, the Chinese government has taken decisive action. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has introduced strict new safety regulations. These rules mandate that all new vehicles must be equipped with mechanical door handles that can be operated from both inside and outside, even in the event of a complete power failure. Automakers have until 2027 to implement these changes in new models and until 2029 to update existing designs.
Following the new regulations, Xiaomi announced that the first-generation SU7 will be discontinued. The company has assured the public that upcoming 2026 models will fully comply with the new national safety standards. Meanwhile, the victim’s family is pursuing legal action, arguing that while the driver was at fault for the crash, the vehicle’s fatal design flaw is what ultimately led to his death.
So, what are your thoughts on this Xiaomi SU7 incident? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
