- Rescuers couldn’t open SU7’s electric door releases as it burned.
- Eyewitnesses tried desperately to smash the driver’s side window.
- China will ban electric door releases like the SU7’s from 2027.
An official investigation into the death of a man who crashed his Xiaomi SU7 in China last year has confirmed details previously reported by local media. The findings underscore how critical basic mechanical access can become in seconds. Authorities concluded that the 31-year-old died after being unable to open the electrically operated doors once the electric sedan caught fire.
While this case involves a Xiaomi, concerns about electronically actuated door systems have been debated across the industry and in global markets for years. This isn’t just a Tesla issue.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on October 13, 2025, in Chengdu, reports Carnewschina. The Xiaomi driver, identified simply as Deng, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol at the time and slammed into another vehicle on Tianfu Avenue South before jumping over the central divider and bursting into flames.
Timeline Of The Crash
According to forensic findings cited by the Chinese magazine Caixin, the SU7 reached 203 km/h (126 mph) just three seconds before the crash. It then slowed to 167 km/h (104 mph) after striking the other car and was traveling 138 km/h (86 mph) when it hit the divider.
Read: Trapped Xiaomi Driver Dies After Doors Fail To Open In Fiery Crash
Harrowing footage captured in the immediate aftermath showed bystanders attempting to smash the driver’s side window and open the door in an effort to save him, but without success.
Why The Doors Wouldn’t Open
Investigators concluded that the doors could not be opened from the outside because the fire caused the low-voltage system to shut down, disabling the door handle release function. The report added that the SU7 has no mechanical latches accessible from the outside and relies solely on electric release buttons.
Xiaomi shares plunged nearly 9% after a fatal crash involving its SU7 electric car, Bloomberg reports
According to the outlet, a 31-year-old driver in China collided with another vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and the car caught fire. Witnesses tried to pull the man… pic.twitter.com/yPQ70FoKXN
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 13, 2025
The Xiaomi also uses electric release buttons inside the cabin. Although it is equipped with mechanical emergency releases, locating and operating them while disoriented after a crash would not be straightforward.
Regulatory Response In China
This fatal crash, along with others, has prompted regulators in China to ban electronic door handles on EVs. The new rule will take effect on January 1, 2027. It will require exterior handles that provide a handhold of at least 60 mm by 20 mm (2.36 inches x 0.79 inches), ensuring they can be used by rescuers in an emergency. In addition, mechanical releases inside the vehicle must include clear signage explaining how to open them during an emergency.
