KATHMANDU: A video of a black BYD Tang SUV has gone viral on social media. It shows the SUV driving through flooded streets in Shenyang, China, with its rear motor assembly detached and dragging behind the vehicle. The motor remained connected to the SUV by an orange high-voltage wiring harness.
BYD has now clarified that the incident was caused by an underbody impact and not a manufacturing defect.
According to the company, the Tang suffered a severe underbody collision after striking a submerged object while driving through floodwater. The impact damaged the mounting points, causing the rear electric drive motor assembly to separate from the vehicle.
The unusual footage sparked widespread online speculation, with many social media users joking that the SUV had “given birth” to its rear motor.
BYD said operating data and the condition of the damaged mounting points indicate the failure resulted from collision damage rather than a quality issue.
The company has also confirmed that it has contacted the vehicle owner and arranged an inspection following the incident.
