"Serious defects and safety risks": China is recalling thousands of electric cars from the market

Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) will carry out its largest recall yet of 115,000 vehicles in its domestic market due to design defects and safety risks related to the battery.

The recall concerns Tang and Yuan Pro series vehicles, both electric and hybrid cars, manufactured between 2015 and 2022.

Specifically, about 44,500 units of the Tang series will be recalled due to a defect in the transmission motor controller. In some cases, this can lead to circuit corrosion and cause the car to lose electrical power, according to the China State Administration for Market Regulation.

About 71,200 Yuan Pro cars will also be recalled due to incorrectly installed battery gaskets, which can allow water to enter the battery, reducing power output in some cases.

“BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. will authorize its dealers to apply a special insulator to reinforce the battery cover on affected vehicles for free, restoring waterproofing and eliminating the safety risk,” the State Administration for Market Regulation said.

China dominates the global electric vehicle industry thanks in part to generous state subsidies, as well as a forward-looking approach — meaning companies were investing in electric technology long before global competitors.

The EU has imposed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles in Europe since last year.

For some consumers, the push to keep prices low is ringing warning bells, however, as safety concerns arise.

In April, Chinese electric vehicle firm Xiaomi was criticized after three people were killed in an accident involving one of the company's SU7s.

This design has been replicated by brands such as Xiaomi, although China has now proposed regulations requiring passenger vehicles to include mechanical launchers, accessible both inside and outside the car, Euronews reports.