China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is recalling 88,981 units of its Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan due to potential defects in the power battery. The recall, mandated by Chinese regulators, addresses a manufacturing flaw that could limit electric-only driving capability and, in some cases, completely disable the electric drive mode.
The Issue: Manufacturing Inconsistency
The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) identified the problem after a defect investigation. The root cause is inconsistent power-battery pack production, which may reduce output power. This means some vehicles may not deliver the expected electric range, and under specific conditions, the electric drive system could shut down entirely.
This recall highlights a critical challenge in EV manufacturing: consistent battery performance is essential for hybrid models relying on electric drive. Unlike fully electric vehicles, where range expectations are more forgiving, plug-in hybrids depend on reliable battery output for their core function.
Recall Details and Timeline
The recall affects vehicles produced in two batches:
- 52,890 units built between September 26, 2021, and September 23, 2023.
- 36,091 units manufactured between January 7, 2021, and September 30, 2022.
BYD will address the issue via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. The updates will monitor battery performance and trigger a warning light if an anomaly is detected. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to authorized dealers for free battery pack replacement.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Broader Trends
SAMR’s intervention signals growing oversight of battery manufacturing quality among major Chinese EV companies. This follows a recent large-scale recall of over 115,000 BYD vehicles, including the Tang and Yuan Pro models, for separate design and battery-related issues.
The increased scrutiny underscores the importance of standardization and quality control in the rapidly expanding Chinese EV market. Regulators are prioritizing consumer safety and reliability as manufacturers scale production.
How Owners Can Check for Recall Coverage
BYD will contact affected owners through registered mail, phone, or SMS. Owners can also verify recall status by:
- Calling BYD’s customer service hotline.
- Visiting the SAMR-maintained recall center website.
The recall covers a significant portion of Qin Plus DM-i production over two years, reinforcing the need for rigorous quality assurance in EV battery manufacturing.
This latest recall serves as a reminder that even industry leaders like BYD face challenges in maintaining consistent battery quality at scale. It also highlights the growing importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring EV safety and reliability.
