A fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 in Chengdu has triggered widespread public concern and renewed scrutiny of the Chinese tech company’s electric vehicle unit. The incident sent Xiaomi’s Hong Kong-listed shares tumbling more than 8% on Monday before paring some losses.
Suspected Drunk Driving; Investigation Underway
According to a statement from the Chengdu Traffic Management Bureau, the crash occurred around 3:18 a.m. on October 13. The driver, a 31-year-old man surnamed Deng, was traveling south along Tianfu Avenue when the vehicle collided with another car, veered onto the central median, and burst into flames. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and both vehicles sustained damage. Authorities said preliminary testing suggested the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The investigation remains ongoing.
Videos shared online show several bystanders attempting to rescue the driver, but the car doors could not be opened. Firefighters later arrived and cut open the vehicle to extinguish the flames. The delay in rescue efforts has fueled public concern over the SU7’s door design and overall safety features.
Hidden Door Handles Under Scrutiny
Beyond the driver’s actions, public attention has turned to Xiaomi’s use of semi-recessed electronic door handles, which some believe may have hindered rescue attempts.
The SU7’s handles are designed to sit flush with the body and rely on electronic switches to unlock the doors. If the vehicle loses power in a crash, the handles may become inoperable from the outside. Similar designs are common in modern electric vehicles, prized for aerodynamic efficiency and sleek appearance, but they have been criticized in several past incidents for compromising emergency accessibility.
“Electronic handles offer aesthetic and aerodynamic advantages, but they can fail under extreme conditions like power loss or fire,” said one automotive safety expert. “It’s a trade-off, but safety must come first.”
Regulators Move to Strengthen Safety Standards
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has proposed new standards that could address such risks. A draft regulation titled Safety Requirements for Automotive Door Handles calls for all passenger vehicles, starting in 2027, to include external handles with mechanical release functions. Fully electronic concealed handles would be prohibited.
Industry analysts say the move signals Beijing’s growing focus on practical safety measures as China’s electric vehicle market matures. “This standard could reshape vehicle design priorities, forcing manufacturers to balance innovation with real-world safety,” one analyst said.
Market Reaction: Investor Anxiety Builds
The crash and ensuing public debate rattled investors, sending Xiaomi’s stock sharply lower in early trading. Although the preliminary police report points to drunk driving, concerns about the SU7’s safety design and reliability persist.
Analysts say the incident may temporarily weigh on Xiaomi’s automotive ambitions, especially as the company seeks to establish itself as a credible competitor in China’s increasingly crowded EV market. Both consumers and investors are now awaiting the official findings of the investigation—and Xiaomi’s response to mounting safety questions.