Here a 'Kung', there a 'Kung'... Xiaomi Electric Car's Repeated Accidents, Was It a Continental Mistake?

by Lim Juhyeong

Published 02 Apr.2024 13:51(KST)

Updated 02 Apr.2024 15:35(KST)

Xiaomi States "Due to Driver Inexperience... Not a Defect"

Is it another continent's mistake, or just a simple happening? Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, the SU7 (Speed Ultra 7), has been embroiled in safety controversies. This follows a series of videos posted on social networking services (SNS) showing accidents occurring during test drives.

Here a 'Kung', there a 'Kung'... Xiaomi Electric Car's Repeated Accidents, Was It a Continental Mistake?

Chinese IT media outlet MyDrivers reported on the 1st (local time) that "videos of accidents occurring during Xiaomi SU7 test drives are being posted online." The media pointed out that the SU7's design performance, which emphasizes speed, could be a cause of these accidents.

The SU7 is an all-wheel-drive electric vehicle equipped with dual electric motors, boasting a maximum output of 673 horsepower and a peak torque of 838 N·m. Its so-called 'zero to 100 km/h' acceleration time is only 2.78 seconds.

A vehicle zigzagging while driving eventually crashes into the roadside <span>[Image source=The Uin]</span>

A vehicle zigzagging while driving eventually crashes into the roadside [Image source=The Uin]

However, it has been reported that some drivers fail to respond properly due to the extremely fast acceleration time. The media advised, "If you want to experience the vehicle's acceleration performance, you should choose professional road sections or closed test sites."

On Chinese short-form video streaming services such as Douyin and TikTok, actual SU7 accident videos have been uploaded. One vehicle was seen zigzagging before hitting a roadside curb. Additionally, there have been multiple instances of tires and wheels being damaged or punctured after collisions with guardrails and curbs.

Regarding these controversies, Xiaomi explained to the media that "the driver was a novice who accelerated abruptly on a curved road." Xiaomi maintains that the SU7 accident videos have nothing to do with vehicle defects but added that the specific causes are still under investigation.

Partially damaged SU7 <small>[Image source=Douyin]</small>

Partially damaged SU7 [Image source=Douyin]

Xiaomi launched the SU7 on the 28th of last month. Prices start at 215,900 yuan, with the fully equipped top model priced at 299,900 yuan. As Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, following its main production of electronic and home appliances, it has attracted worldwide attention. The vehicle received over 88,000 orders within 24 hours of its release.

However, the SU7 has not received only praise. Some netizens have criticized the SU7's design for bearing too close a resemblance to that of the famous supercar manufacturer Porsche.