- CCTV footage captured the moment a Mercedes-Benz electric car exploded into flames while charging in Hengshui, China
- No injuries were reported, but the car owner filed a complaint with the manufacturer after the four-month-old vehicle was destroyed but received no compensation
- The incident has reignited concerns over EV safety, even as experts highlight the long-term environmental and economic advantages of electric vehicles
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
China – A CCTV clip from Hengshui, China, captured a dramatic moment as a new electric Mercedes-Benz burst into flames while charging on March 15, due to battery failure.
Source: UGC
The footage, recorded on March 15, shows thick black smoke billowing from the parked black hatchback before it exploded.
According to the footage shared by Yahoo, flames erupted beneath the vehicle, quickly engulfing it in fire.
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The car owner immediately contacted the fire department, who responded swiftly and managed to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Local fire officials later confirmed that the blaze was caused by thermal runaway in the vehicle’s battery system—a condition where the battery overheats and causes a chain reaction of fire or explosion.
According to reports, the vehicle was only four months old. The owner reportedly filed a complaint with the manufacturer but has allegedly received no response, refund, or compensation.
Source: UGC
Are electric vehicle safety concerns on the rise?
The incident has reignited concerns around the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly regarding battery stability.
While China leads globally in EV production—thanks to its vast reserves of rare earth metals and control over major mining operations in Africa—questions continue to emerge about the safety and reliability of these vehicles.
Despite a global push towards phasing out petrol and diesel cars, recent research reveals that many consumers, particularly in the UK, remain hesitant to adopt EVs.
Common concerns include high upfront costs, battery lifespan, limited driving range, and the availability of charging infrastructure.
What are the benefits of EVs?
However, experts note that electric vehicles still offer numerous advantages.
According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, US Department of Energy, the vehicles improve fuel economy, lower fuel costs, reduce emissions, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
As production scales up and battery technology advances, the cost of EVs is expected to become more competitive with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Moreover, the report indicates that most EV manufacturers currently offer extended battery warranties—typically around eight years or 100,000 miles—reflecting growing confidence in battery durability.
CCTV footage captures moment matatu with passengers exploded
In other news, dramatic CCTV footage surfaced showing the moment a passenger-filled matatu exploded into flames at a gas station at an undisclosed location.
According to the footage, some passengers were standing beside the vehicle when the explosion occurred, while those inside quickly escaped and fled the scene. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incident sparked widespread discussion online, with many Kenyans praising a quick-thinking petrol station attendant who rushed in with a fire extinguisher.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
