BYD Atto 3 Fire in Morang Under Investigation, Initial Findings Point to External Ignition

A BYD Atto 3 electric vehicle caught fire in Pathari, Morang, last week while being used as a wedding ceremony car, prompting an official investigation by Cimex Inc., the authorized distributor of BYD Auto Industry in Nepal.

According to preliminary information and video evidence, the vehicle was parked in a roadside forested area when smoke was first observed. The fire subsequently escalated and engulfed the vehicle, though no injuries were reported in the incident.

Vehicle Parked When Smoke First Noticed

Eyewitness accounts and the driver’s statement indicate that the driver had briefly left the vehicle after parking. Upon returning, he reportedly observed white smoke emanating from the dashboard area and attempted to disconnect the low-voltage system in an effort to prevent further escalation.

However, the situation worsened rapidly. The presence of dry leaves and surrounding vegetation in the area is believed to have contributed to the spread of the fire. The vehicle’s airbags were deployed during the incident, and the fire was later brought under control by the local fire brigade.

Joint Technical Inspection Conducted

Following the incident, Cimex Inc. conducted a detailed inspection in coordination with engineers from BYD headquarters.

Investigators reported that the vehicle’s 8-in-1 electric powertrain system—including key electronic and drivetrain components—remained structurally intact. The high-voltage Blade Battery pack was also found to be undamaged, with no visible signs of internal short-circuiting or thermal runaway.

Preliminary Findings Suggest External Cause

Early forensic assessment suggests that the fire likely originated outside the battery system, near the rear-left section of the vehicle. Investigators noted the presence of flammable decorative materials used for wedding purposes, along with dry forest debris surrounding the parked vehicle.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of an external ignition source, such as a discarded cigarette or other heat source, coming into contact with combustible materials.

Cabin Smoke Likely Drawn From Outside Fire

Although the driver initially reported smoke inside the dashboard area, investigators believe this may have resulted from external smoke entering the cabin through the vehicle’s ventilation system, rather than an internal electrical fault.

Battery System Declared Intact

Cimex Inc. emphasized that the BYD Blade Battery did not experience thermal runaway or combustion. The company noted that the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery technology is designed for high thermal stability and has undergone extensive safety testing under extreme conditions.

Based on current evidence, investigators concluded that the high-voltage battery system was not the ignition source of the fire.

Investigation Ongoing

Cimex Inc. has stated that while initial findings point toward an external cause, the investigation is still ongoing. Further analysis will be conducted as additional physical and forensic evidence becomes available.

The company reiterated its commitment to transparency and customer safety, stating that all findings will be updated as the inquiry progresses.