Quick Takeaways
- Mahindra BE 6 fire incident confirms tyre-related overheating, not battery failure.
- Mahindra states all occupants were safe and vehicle safety systems functioned as designed.
A Mahindra BE 6 electric SUV recently caught fire near Gulaothi in Uttar Pradesh, drawing attention to electric vehicle safety. According to a statement released by the automaker, the Mahindra BE 6 fire incident was triggered by a deflated rear tyre, while the high-voltage battery and electric motor remained unaffected.
The incident, which was captured on video by bystanders, shows the red electric SUV engulfed in flames on what appears to be a highway. Mahindra confirmed that all occupants exited the vehicle safely and no injuries were reported. The company also referenced a similar electric SUV fire involving a Tata Nexon EV near Mumbai in June 2022.
Mahindra identifies deflated rear tyre as fire source
Mahindra’s internal investigation found that the rear right tyre of the BE 6 had deflated and was driven for approximately 10 minutes at speeds reaching 60 kph. The vehicle reportedly issued multiple alerts related to tyre deflation and rising tyre temperatures during this period.
According to Mahindra, the continued driving led to excessive friction between the deflated tyre and the road surface. This friction generated extreme heat, which ultimately ignited the tyre and surrounding components, resulting in the visible fire.
Safety systems activated before vehicle shutdown
The automaker stated that the Mahindra BE 6’s on-board safety systems functioned exactly as intended during the incident. Electronic stability control and traction control were repeatedly activated to manage wheel spin caused by the deflated tyre.
As a precautionary measure, the vehicle’s speed was electronically limited. Shortly after, the electric drive system was automatically shut down, bringing the SUV to a complete stop. Mahindra noted that video analysis clearly identified the rear right tyre as the origin point of the fire.
Battery pack and electric motor remained intact
Addressing concerns around electric vehicle battery safety, Mahindra clarified that the high-voltage battery pack was not damaged in the incident. The company stated that battery health parameters and individual cell voltages were within specified limits, despite the intense external thermal stress.
“Despite intense thermal stress originating from an external source, the high-voltage battery remains unharmed and fully functional. Battery health parameters and individual cell voltages are within specified limits, and the motor is intact,” Mahindra’s official statement read.
Mahindra BE 6 battery options and pricing
While the exact variant involved in the Mahindra BE 6 fire incident has not been disclosed, the midsize electric SUV is offered with two battery pack options. These include a 59 kWh unit and a larger 79 kWh unit, catering to different range requirements.
The Mahindra BE 6 is currently priced between Rs 19.65 lakh and Rs 27.65 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it competitively within India’s growing electric SUV segment.
The incident, which was captured on video by bystanders, shows the red electric SUV engulfed in flames on what appears to be a highway. Mahindra confirmed that all occupants exited the vehicle safely and no injuries were reported. The company also referenced a similar electric SUV fire involving a Tata Nexon EV near Mumbai in June 2022.
Mahindra identifies deflated rear tyre as fire source
Mahindra’s internal investigation found that the rear right tyre of the BE 6 had deflated and was driven for approximately 10 minutes at speeds reaching 60 kph. The vehicle reportedly issued multiple alerts related to tyre deflation and rising tyre temperatures during this period.
According to Mahindra, the continued driving led to excessive friction between the deflated tyre and the road surface. This friction generated extreme heat, which ultimately ignited the tyre and surrounding components, resulting in the visible fire.
Safety systems activated before vehicle shutdown
The automaker stated that the Mahindra BE 6’s on-board safety systems functioned exactly as intended during the incident. Electronic stability control and traction control were repeatedly activated to manage wheel spin caused by the deflated tyre.
As a precautionary measure, the vehicle’s speed was electronically limited. Shortly after, the electric drive system was automatically shut down, bringing the SUV to a complete stop. Mahindra noted that video analysis clearly identified the rear right tyre as the origin point of the fire.
Battery pack and electric motor remained intact
Addressing concerns around electric vehicle battery safety, Mahindra clarified that the high-voltage battery pack was not damaged in the incident. The company stated that battery health parameters and individual cell voltages were within specified limits, despite the intense external thermal stress.
“Despite intense thermal stress originating from an external source, the high-voltage battery remains unharmed and fully functional. Battery health parameters and individual cell voltages are within specified limits, and the motor is intact,” Mahindra’s official statement read.
Mahindra BE 6 battery options and pricing
While the exact variant involved in the Mahindra BE 6 fire incident has not been disclosed, the midsize electric SUV is offered with two battery pack options. These include a 59 kWh unit and a larger 79 kWh unit, catering to different range requirements.
The Mahindra BE 6 is currently priced between Rs 19.65 lakh and Rs 27.65 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it competitively within India’s growing electric SUV segment.
Company Press Release
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