Risk of electrical failure in batteries forces BYD to recall almost 89,000 Qin Plus models

Chinese manufacturer BYD announced a large-scale recall involving 88,981 units of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i. The measure, communicated to Administração Estatal of Regulação of Mercado of

The identified fault could lead to a failure in the car’s electrical system, resulting in a loss of power while driving. In more extreme scenarios, the defect can cause an internal short circuit, increasing the risk of a thermal runaway event, popularly known as a battery fire.

The vehicles affected by the recall were manufactured between January 2021 and September 2023. The company has already started the process of notifying owners so that the necessary corrections can be made free of charge.

Technical details of battery failure

The core problem identified by BYD lies in an inconsistency in the manufacturing process for a small portion of the battery packs. Segundo the report submitted to the Chinese regulatory agency, this variation can compromise the internal insulation of the cells, making the system vulnerable to electrical failures. Technical analysis revealed that under certain usage and stress conditions, such as high power demands or long periods of operation, insulation failure may not be adequately managed by the vehicle’s software. Essa condition increases the risk of a sudden interruption in the power supply to the electric motor, which could surprise the driver in traffic situations. Além In addition, the investigation found that the failure, although rare, creates a path for possible localized overheating, which is the trigger for thermal runaway, a significant challenge to the safety of electric and hybrid vehicles.

BYD’s two-step solution

To solve the problem comprehensively and minimize the impact on customers, BYD structured an action plan divided into two distinct phases. The first step is to implement an over-the-air software update, known as Over-the-Air (OTA). Este new software is designed to enhance the ability of the Sistema of Gerenciamento of Bateria (BMS) to monitor the health and performance of each individual cell. With more sensitive algorithms, the system will be able to detect the first signs of electrical inconsistency, alerting the driver through the vehicle’s dashboard and recommending a visit to the dealership before a serious failure occurs.

The second phase of the plan is preventive and corrective in nature. Após the software update, if the improved system detects any anomaly or if the vehicle is in a production batch considered to be at greater risk, the owner will be instructed to take the car to an authorized dealer. On site, specialized technicians will perform a detailed inspection of the battery pack. If the presence of a manufacturing defect is confirmed, the entire battery pack will be replaced free of charge. The company assured that all costs associated with inspection and replacement of components will be fully covered by the manufacturer.

Recent call history

This recall of the Qin Plus DM-i is not an isolated event for BYD in recent months. The automaker has faced a series of calls that reflect the challenges of accelerated production growth.

In October, the company had already recalled 115,299 units of the Tang DM-i and Yuan Pro models due to a potential fire risk related to a battery component.

Previously, in September, another 96,853 vehicles of the Dolphin and Yuan Plus models were recalled to correct a problem in the power steering control unit, which could compromise driving safety.

Adding these three major actions, more than 300,000 BYD vehicles were subject to recall in the second half of the year alone, a number that highlights the pressure on quality control amid mass production.

Regulation and the Chinese market

BYD’s wave of recalls comes at a time of intensified oversight by Chinese regulators, who are increasingly focused on the safety of Veículos and Nova Energia (NEVs).

SAMR, in particular, has demonstrated a more rigorous stance towards the quality and safety of critical components, especially lithium-ion batteries, which are central to the electric vehicle industry.

This increased surveillance is not limited to BYD. Outras Industry giants such as CATL and CALB, which supply batteries to numerous automakers, are also under increased scrutiny to ensure their manufacturing processes meet increasingly demanding safety standards.

The Chinese government’s objective with this stricter approach is to strengthen consumer confidence and mitigate the risks associated with the rapid expansion of the market, which is already the largest in the world for electric vehicles.

How owners should proceed

BYD said it will contact directly the owners of vehicles included in the recall through its official communication channels, such as correspondence and applications.

To proactively check whether a vehicle is affected, owners can check the Número of Identificação of Veículo (VIN) on BYD’s official website or contact BYD’s customer service center.

The Qin Plus DM-i model

The BYD Qin Plus DM-i is one of China’s best-selling plug-in hybrid models, recognized for its high energy efficiency and combined range. The success of the sedan is an important pillar in BYD’s dominance strategy in the PHEV segment, which makes this recall particularly sensitive to the brand’s image among consumers.

Automaker’s sales performance

Despite production-related challenges, BYD’s business performance remains robust. In October, the automaker recorded a 12% growth in sales compared to the same month of the previous year.

Total sales reached 441,706 units, with the plug-in hybrid segment, precisely the model affected by the recall, showing a significant increase of 31%, totaling 214,297 units sold.