After the fire in the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, the doors jammed due to faulty electronic locks, the investigation reports.

Summary of the Incident and Consequences

In mid‑October last year, a serious road traffic incident occurred in China that ended with the death of the driver of an electric sports car Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. The vehicle, accelerating to 203 km/h, struck an obstacle and subsequently caught fire after colliding with a guardrail, where its speed had dropped to 138 km/h. The driver perished in the flames, and attempts by witnesses to rescue him were unsuccessful.

Reasons for the Inability to Open the Doors
1. Power‑Supply System of Locks

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra model lacks mechanical handles for opening doors from outside. Opening is possible only via the central display or an interior button, as well as through retractable exterior handles that serve merely as aerodynamic features.

2. Power Failure

During the accident, the lock power‑supply system was disabled. Without electricity, the doors could not be unlocked from the outside – even if they had mechanical locks, the lack of power rendered them inoperative.

3. Poor Access to Interior Handles

The interior “dublers” (auxiliary handles) are positioned deep within the door frame and are inaccessible to the victim from inside, especially after the glass was shattered.

Key Facts of the Accident
Metric Value
Initial speed 203 km/h
Speed at impact with guardrail 138 km/h
Additional collision with another vehicle 176 km/h
Driver’s condition Alcohol intoxication
Time between impact and first ignition ≈ 5 minutes (three flashes)

Reaction of Authorities and the Industry
- New Door Requirements

Starting in January next year, all cars sold in China must have doors with handles that can be reliably opened from both inside and outside without electrical power. This rule will apply to new models until 2029.

- Feedback from Car Enthusiasts

Regulators noted an excessive reliance on touchscreens for controlling vehicle functions and will require the retention of certain physical controls, especially those critical in emergency situations.

Legal Aspect
The lawyer representing the deceased’s relatives does not deny his alcohol intoxication but demands that the manufacturer be held liable for defects in the door‑lock system. He argues that these technical flaws prevented the driver’s life from being saved.

Conclusion:

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra accident became a turning point for China’s automotive industry: it forced a redesign of doors and strengthened requirements for their operability without electricity, as well as reduced dependence on digital interfaces for controlling critically important vehicle functions.