BYD Song Plus Endures Triple Lightning Strike, Proving EV Resilience

Electrifying Encounter: BYD Song Plus Defies Odds in Triple Lightning Strike

In a turn of events that reads more like a superhero origin story than a traffic report, an electric vehicle has become the unlikely hero of Chinese social media. The BYD Song Plus, a popular electric SUV, not only survived but emerged virtually unscathed after being struck by lightning not once, not twice, but three times in a single, astonishing incident. This extraordinary event unfolded on August 6th in the city of Beihai, located in the southwestern province of Guangxi, a region recently battling severe weather conditions.

Unscathed After the Storm

The resilience displayed by the Song Plus is nothing short of remarkable. Following the triple lightning assault, an inspection by a seasoned mechanic revealed that the vehicle's critical components – including its high-voltage battery, intricate electronics, and the powerhouse motor – remained in perfect operational condition. It’s a testament to the robust engineering and advanced safety systems integrated into modern electric vehicles. The only visible evidence of the ordeal was two minor impact points on the roof, with the rest of the car's bodywork showing no significant damage. This level of survivability in such an extreme, statistically improbable scenario has understandably captured public imagination.

A Safety System That Delivered

BYD’s Brand and Public Relations head, Li Yunfei, confirmed the dramatic events, highlighting the instantaneous response of the vehicle's automatic power-off system. This crucial safety feature is designed to swiftly disconnect the power supply, thereby safeguarding both the driver and the vehicle's sensitive electrical architecture from catastrophic damage. The mechanic, a professional with 12 years of experience under his belt, expressed his astonishment, admitting that this was his first encounter with a vehicle surviving such a direct and repeated lightning barrage.

The driver, remarkably, remained inside the vehicle after the incident, calmly awaiting rescue and an awaiting tow truck, a scene that underscores the perceived safety of the Song Plus even amidst such an electrical tempest.

Context of Extreme Weather

This electrifying incident occurred against a backdrop of widespread severe weather plaguing Southern China. The region was grappling with torrential rains, leading to significant flooding, dangerous landslides, and unfortunate outbreaks of illness. Amidst this widespread disruption, the BYD Song Plus’s stoic survival served as a beacon of resilience. The Song Plus, part of BYD’s “Ocean” series, is positioned competitively in the market, with its electric variant starting around 149,800 yuan (approximately $20,740) and the hybrid DM-i version being even more accessible from 135,800 yuan ($18,910). BYD has been on a sales tear, reporting 344,296 electrified vehicle sales in July alone, with the Song family being a major contributor, selling over 59,000 units that month.

A Symbol of Evolving EV Technology

The triple lightning strike on the BYD Song Plus is more than just a viral news story; it’s a powerful, albeit accidental, demonstration of the advanced safety and durability standards in contemporary electric vehicles. It reassures potential buyers and sparks a broader conversation about how far EV technology has come in protecting occupants and vital systems, even from nature's most formidable electrical displays. While lightning strikes are rare for any vehicle, this event powerfully illustrates that modern EVs are engineered to withstand a surprising range of extreme conditions, offering a sense of security that transcends the ordinary.