Lithium battery failure forces BYD to recall nearly 90,000 Qin Plus DM-i models in China

BYD, one of the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturers, announced a mass recall on China involving 88,981 units of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i. The measure was motivated by a potential failure in the lithium battery pack, which poses a risk to the safety of the vehicle’s occupants.

The problem identified by the manufacturer is related to a defect that can lead to an internal short circuit in the energy storage system. In extreme cases, this condition can trigger thermal runaway, a process that drastically increases the battery’s temperature and can result in a fire, even when the vehicle is parked.

The recall covers vehicles produced between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023. The recall process was formally registered with Administração Estatal of Regulação of Mercado of

Details about battery system failure

The investigation conducted by BYD found that the root cause of the problem lies in an inconsistency in the manufacturing process of the wiring harness inside the battery pack. Essa variation can compromise component isolation and correct communication between sensors and the management unit.

As a consequence, the Sistema of Gerenciamento of the Failure to collect information about voltage, current and temperature prevents the system from operating within established safety parameters.

Incorrect data reading can cause the BMS to allow overcharge or overdischarge conditions in certain cells, increasing internal pressure and temperature. Essa instability significantly increases the risk of an uncontrolled chain reaction, known as thermal runaway, which is the leading cause of fires in electric vehicles.

In addition to the physical issue in the harness, the BMS software logic was also considered part of the problem. The system was not programmed to identify and alert the driver about this type of specific anomaly, which prevented preventive action before a risk situation materialized.

The solutions proposed by BYD to owners

To fix the flaw and ensure customer safety, BYD has developed a two-step solution that will be implemented free of charge. The first action is a remote software update, known as “over-the-air” (OTA). Este new firmware improves the algorithms of the Sistema of Gerenciamento of the Bateria (BMS), making it more sensitive to abnormal variations in voltage and temperature. With the update, the system will be able to identify the risk earlier and issue an audible and visual alert on the vehicle’s dashboard, instructing the driver to look for a dealership immediately.

The second stage of the plan is aimed at cases in which the software update is not sufficient or for vehicles that have already shown some symptoms of the failure. Owners will be instructed to take their cars to an authorized brand workshop for a detailed physical inspection of the battery pack. Caso any defective component is found during the check, including the wiring harness or the battery cells themselves, complete replacement of the parts will be carried out at no cost to the consumer. The company ensures that all units involved in the recall will undergo a rigorous verification protocol to completely eliminate the risk associated with the manufacturing defect.

Recent history of manufacturer recalls

Este recall of the Qin Plus DM-i is not an isolated event for BYD, which has faced a series of quality control challenges amid its rapid global expansion. Nos recent months, the company has issued several other significant recalls that have affected hundreds of thousands of vehicles. In October of the previous year, more than 115 thousand units of the Tang DM-i and Yuan Pro models were recalled to correct similar problems related to battery management. Antes In addition, in September, a recall of almost 96,000 units of the Dolphin and Yuan Plus models was announced due to a failure in the air conditioning power converter, which could lead to the shutdown of the vehicle’s high voltage system. Somando the three most recent safety campaigns, the number of BYD cars recalled for repair exceeds the 300,000 mark. This scenario reflects the growing pressure on new energy vehicle manufacturers to maintain rigorous quality standards while increasing production to meet explosive market demand.

The electric vehicle market in China

China has established itself as the largest and most dynamic electric vehicle market in the world, with dozens of local and international brands competing intensely for a share of sales. Nesse scenario, product safety has become a focal point for both consumers and government regulators.

Administração Estatal of Regulação of The agency encourages voluntary recalls by automakers as a sign of corporate responsibility and commitment to the consumer.

Companies such as BYD, CATL and CALB, giants in battery production, continually invest in research and development to improve the safety and efficiency of their products. The complexity of high voltage systems requires impeccable quality control from the manufacturing of components to the final assembly of the vehicle.

Guidance for affected consumers

BYD has begun the communication process with the owners of the nearly 89,000 vehicles involved in the recall. Customers will be contacted through official channels such as email, messaging apps and direct mail. The company recommends that owners of Qin Plus DM-i models check whether their chassis is included in the campaign.

To do this, consumers can use the Número of Identificação of Veículo (VIN) and consult the recall search tool available on BYD’s official website or contact the brand’s customer service center. It is essential that owners schedule service at the nearest authorized dealership as soon as they receive notification.

BYD sales continue to rise

Despite challenges related to recalls, BYD’s sales performance remains robust, demonstrating the market’s strong confidence in its products. In the last fiscal quarter, the company recorded a significant increase in its global deliveries, surpassing the mark of 441,000 vehicles, which maintains it in a leading position in the new energy vehicle sector.

Vehicles and recall schedule

The recall officially announced by BYD covers a total of 88,981 units of the Qin Plus DM-i model. The call is specific to this hybrid sedan, which is one of the brand’s best-selling cars in the Chinese market.

The manufacturing period for the affected vehicles is quite broad, covering almost three years of production. Estão included in the campaign the units assembled between January 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023, which shows that the manufacturing problem may have affected multiple production batches over that time.