November 5 – Today, a video surfaced online showing a Leapmotor C11 electric vehicle (EV) with a license plate from Luoyang, Henan, engulfed in flames while charging at a charging station. The intense blaze not only consumed the entire vehicle but also affected a neighboring parked car, sparking public concern over EV safety issues.
Incident Details: Rapid Fire Spread, Quick Firefighting Response
In the video, the Leapmotor C11 is seen burning intensely, with flames quickly spreading across the vehicle and even igniting a nearby car. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, successfully extinguishing the blaze with no reported injuries. However, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are expected to conduct a further investigation with an official statement to follow.
Leapmotor Faces Multiple Fire-Related Incidents
This incident is not the first fire reported involving a Leapmotor C11. On July 16, 2023, a suspected self-ignition incident involving a Leapmotor C11 occurred on a street in Haizhu District, Guangzhou. At the time, the driver heard a sudden explosion from the front hood, followed by thick smoke. Despite the driver’s efforts to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, the rapid spread of the flames led to severe damage, leaving the vehicle almost completely burnt. Firefighters arrived on the scene to control the blaze, but the car was beyond repair.
Earlier this year, in mid-April, another suspected self-ignition incident involving a Leapmotor C11 EV took place on Tanggang Road in Zhaoqing, Guangdong. The parked vehicle caught fire suddenly, with the flames engulfing the entire car. The frequency of such incidents has led consumers and industry experts to question the safety of Leapmotor’s EV models.
Overview of the Leapmotor C11 Model
The Leapmotor C11 is a mid-size electric SUV offered in both range-extender and pure electric versions. Among the 2024 models currently on sale, only the highest-end variant is equipped with a ternary lithium battery, while the other three versions come with lithium iron phosphate batteries. Battery capacities start from 69.2 kWh, providing a driving range of up to 515 kilometers. The difference in battery types between models has drawn consumer attention to their respective safety performance.
EV Fire Incidents Prompt Safety Concerns
With the increasing popularity of EVs, fire incidents involving EV batteries are becoming more common, raising concerns about battery safety among the public. Experts point out that EV fires are often related to battery design, thermal management systems, and battery materials. Consumers are advised to consider battery composition and manufacturer safety certifications when purchasing EVs. Additionally, users should follow charging guidelines strictly to avoid risks associated with overcharging.
In light of these multiple fire incidents, it remains to be seen whether Leapmotor will implement additional safety measures to enhance fire resistance in its batteries and overall vehicle safety. Further response from the company is anticipated.
