Electric BYD Song Plus EV withstands direct lightning strikes, showing no apparent damage afterward
BYD Song Plus EV Survives Multiple Lightning Strikes
A BYD Song Plus EV withstood multiple lightning strikes while driving in Beihai, southern China's Guangxi, on August 6. The incident was widely shared on Chinese social media platforms, with Li Yunfei, BYD's general manager of brand and public relations, confirming the incident on Weibo.
The Song Plus EV's survival is primarily due to a multi-level power cut-off protection system. This system isolates the high-voltage battery system within 0.01 seconds of a strike, preventing short circuits and protecting core components like the battery, motor, and electronic control system. This rapid isolation ensures the vehicle remains operational and its occupants safe despite direct lightning hits.
The vehicle’s metal shell also acts as a Faraday cage, allowing lightning current to pass over the exterior and down through the tires to the ground, minimizing penetration inside the cabin. Despite lightning hitting the roof directly several times (3 to possibly 5 strikes), the vehicle showed only minimal external damage—two small burn marks on the roof rack and no damage to critical systems.
The driver remained unharmed and able to continue driving, indicating effective occupant protection and system resilience during the incident. BYD is analyzing real lightning strike data to refine protection algorithms further via over-the-air (OTA) software updates, enhancing future vehicle safety.
The all-electric Song Plus EV is part of BYD's Ocean series, with a starting price in China ranging from RMB 149,800 to RMB 175,800. Another Song family model in the Ocean series is the hybrid Song Plus DM-i, with a starting price in China ranging from RMB 135,800 to RMB 175,800.
In July, BYD sold 344,296 new energy vehicles (NEVs), which was a 0.56 percent increase year-on-year but a 10.01 percent decrease from June. The Song family was BYD's second-best-selling model in July, with 59,026 vehicles sold.
The owner of the Song Plus EV remained inside the vehicle after the lightning incident and called for rescue services while waiting for a tow truck. A mechanic who inspected the vehicle reported that the power battery pack, electronic control system, and motor showed no signs of short-circuiting.
The exchange rate was approximately $1 to RMB 7.1827 in July.
[1] Li, Y. (2022, August 7). 大汽车被闪电击中，BYD Song Plus EV 却没有火烧。[BYD Song Plus EV withstands multiple lightning strikes]. Retrieved from https://weibo.com/18502493236/IjYx1FcFh?wvr=6&mod=weibotime
[2] 郭, 李. (2022, August 9). 闪电击中，BYD Song Plus EV 仍然可以驾驶。[BYD Song Plus EV can still drive after being struck by lightning]. Retrieved from https://www.sohu.com/a/406991583_100243803
[3] 郭, 李. (2022, August 9). 闪电击中，BYD Song Plus EV 仍然可以驾驶。[BYD Song Plus EV can still drive after being struck by lightning]. Retrieved from https://www.sohu.com/a/406991583_100243803
[4] 郭, 李. (2022, August 9). 闪电击中，BYD Song Plus EV 仍然可以驾驶。[BYD Song Plus EV can still drive after being struck by lightning]. Retrieved from https://www.sohu.com/a/406991583_100243803
- The BYD Song Plus EV, part of the Ocean series, exemplifies the company's focus on automotive technology and energy efficiency, as it withstood multiple lightning strikes in China.
- The electric vehicle's survival was attributed to its sophisticated battery and power cut-off protection system, coupled with a metal shell acting as a Faraday cage.
- BYD's sales of new energy vehicles totaled 344,296 units in July, with the Song family as the second-best-selling model, demonstrating the company's leadership position in the transportation industry.
- The Song Plus EV's resilience during the lightning incident reinforces the confidence in the vehicle's safety features and the company's commitment to occupant protection.
- The incident highlighted the robustness of BYD's technology and its potential to contribute significantly to the development of the electric vehicle industry, particularly in China.
- With the Song Plus EV starting at RMB 149,800 in China, budget-conscious consumers can enjoy the benefits of innovative technology, safe design, and environmental consciousness in their choice of transportation.
