BYD Initiates Recall Amidst Growing Electric Vehicle Concerns

BYD has filed plans with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation to recall nearly 89,000 Qin PLUS DM-i vehicles. The decision complies with automotive safety legislation and results from a regulator-initiated investigation.

The recall affects two batches of vehicles. The first batch includes 52,890 units produced by BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. from September 26, 2021, to September 23, 2023. The second batch covers 36,091 vehicles from BYD Auto Co., Ltd., manufactured between January 7, 2021, and September 30, 2022. Manufacturing inconsistencies in battery production may cause some vehicles to face limited traction battery output power. In rare cases, this prevents switching to pure electric mode, posing a potential safety risk.

Under the recall program, BYD will provide a free over-the-air (OTA) update for the vehicle’s diagnostic software. If the system detects a high-voltage battery fault post-update, a warning will display on the instrument panel, and owners will be offered a complimentary battery pack replacement at a dealer.

This move comes as electric vehicle manufacturers worldwide grapple with battery reliability and safety concerns, underscoring the industry’s larger focus on enhancing EV technology and consumer safety protocols. Despite these challenges, BYD continues to thrive in a competitive market, recently achieving significant sales milestones, a testament to its robust growth strategy.