A Zeekr 7X electric SUV caught fire while charging at a public charging station in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, prompting the vehicle manufacturer to issue a statement about the incident.
The incident took place on Sunday at a charging facility opposite the Haixi Mingyue residential estate in Ningbo’s Haishu district. Videos circulating online showed the black electric SUV parked at a charging point when smoke and flames suddenly emerged from the vehicle.
According to footage shared on Chinese social media, a man wearing black appeared to inspect the front section of the vehicle before moving away. Moments later, a loud sound was heard and the vehicle began producing a large amount of white smoke. The man was then seen warning people nearby to move away from the area.
Vehicle reportedly erupted into flames
The footage showed another loud burst roughly 20 seconds later, followed by visible flames from the vehicle. The man subsequently returned with a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire.
Firefighters were called to the scene and managed the situation. No injuries or deaths were reported in connection with the incident.
Zeekr later confirmed that one of its electric vehicles had experienced an overheating incident at a charging station in Haishu district. The company said it immediately sent personnel to the location and established a specialist team to assist with the investigation and follow-up arrangements.
The company also disclosed that preliminary checks found the vehicle had recently been involved in a serious collision. Importantly, Zeekr said the vehicle had not subsequently been inspected or repaired through an officially authorised service centre.
Zeekr urges checks after accidents
Zeekr stressed that the exact cause of the fire had not yet been determined. The company said it was cooperating with fire authorities and other relevant departments, with the final findings to depend on the outcome of the official investigation.
The manufacturer reminded electric vehicle owners that a significant collision can potentially affect critical components, including the high-voltage system, battery and structural parts of the vehicle. Such components may require specialist inspection even when there are no immediately obvious signs of damage.
Zeekr advised owners involved in accidents to have their vehicles professionally assessed and repaired at an authorised service centre before returning them to regular use. It warned that continued use without proper inspection could result in safety risks.
The company also highlighted the importance of checking a vehicle’s accident and repair history when purchasing a used electric vehicle.
It recommended that buyers of second-hand electric cars arrange professional inspections covering key components such as the traction battery and high-voltage electrical system.
The incident has also drawn attention to the potential risks associated with previously damaged electric vehicles, particularly when repairs or inspections are carried out outside an authorised service network.
Authorities have yet to announce the final findings into what caused the Zeekr 7X to overheat and catch fire.