BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced a large-scale recall on China involving 88,981 units of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i. The measure was taken after the identification of a serious fault in the lithium battery pack, which presents potential risks to the safety of the vehicle’s occupants. […]

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BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced a large-scale recall on China involving 88,981 units of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i. The measure was taken after the identification of a serious fault in the lithium battery pack, which presents potential risks to the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.

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This recall raises awareness about the quality control challenges facing the industry amid accelerated expansion. BYD, which competes directly with global giants, needs to ensure the reliability of its components, especially batteries, which are the heart of its vehicles and a technology in which the company excels.

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The problem lies in an inconsistency in the manufacturing process of the high voltage battery pack. Irregular application of a sealant to the pack can compromise the sealing of the component, allowing moisture and water to enter its interior.

This infiltration poses a significant risk as it can lead to an internal short circuit in the battery cells. In extreme conditions, a short circuit can trigger a thermal runaway event, an uncontrolled overheating process that drastically increases the risk of fire in the vehicle, even when it is stopped and turned off.

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