Xiaomi SU7 Fatal Crash: Smart Driving Systems’ Safety Questioned

Police are investigating a March 29 incident in Anhui, where three women died when their Xiaomi SU7, operating on Navigate on Autopilot, crashed into a roadside concrete railing and caught fire.

The initial report from Xiaomi, released on April 1, states that the vehicle's Autopilot was engaged before a roadwork section. The car received road hazard warnings less than 20 minutes before the collision.


Following the horrible tragedy, Chinese officials urged drivers to exercise caution and limit their use of advanced driver-assistance systems. The Anhui traffic police and the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald also advised the public to avoid using sophisticated driver technologies whenever possible.
Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun had taken to Weibo, stating that the firm would continue to cooperate with the police, closely watch developments, and do all possible to answer the worries of the victims' relatives and the general public.


The crash of the Xiaomi self-driving car caused its stock price to drop significantly and sparked debate about the safety of both its vehicles and autonomous driving technology. The severity of the accident garnered widespread attention from international media.

The incident is causing the EV maker to reconsider its previously announced plan to start selling its cars overseas by 2027. Unverified reports that the car doors may have jammed and that a battery exploded have attracted attention.

If left unaddressed, these reports could raise concerns not only about Xiaomi but also about Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) companies in general.