KATHMANDU: The official distributor of Chinese EV brand BYD in Nepal, Cimex Inc., has stated that the fire incident involving a BYD Atto 3 in Pathari, Morang was not caused by the vehicle’s battery or high-voltage electrical system.
The incident took place on May 7, 2025. Following the fire, the company said it carried out a technical investigation with support from engineers from BYD headquarters.
According to Cimex, the vehicle’s Blade Battery and 8-in-1 electric powertrain system remained intact after the incident. The company claimed there was no sign of thermal runaway, short circuit, or electrical fault in the battery pack or related high-voltage components.
The distributor suggested that the fire may have started from an external source. It said combustible materials kept near the vehicle, including dry leaves and decorative items, could have contributed to the blaze.
The company also referred to available video footage and the driver’s statement during the investigation. However, the exact ignition point of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
In its statement, Cimex acknowledged that the precise source of the fire “remains to be verified,” leaving the investigation without a final conclusion on how the incident started.
The company also highlighted the safety features of BYD’s Blade Battery technology, which uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. According to BYD, the battery has undergone several safety tests, including nail penetration, crushing, bending, high-temperature exposure, and overcharging tests without catching fire or exploding.
The incident has drawn attention among EV users in Nepal, as the BYD Atto 3 is currently one of the popular electric SUVs in the market.
