BYD Song Plus EV Survives Three Lightning Strikes; Driver and System Remains Safe

A BYD Song Plus EV was struck by lightning three times in quick succession while driving through the Tieshan service area in Beihai, Guangxi, China. Fortunately, both the driver and the vehicle escaped serious harm.

Dashcam footage capturing the strikes spread rapidly on Chinese social media, demonstrating the car’s resilience under extreme conditions.

A mechanic who inspected the vehicle afterward found no damage to key components such as the power battery pack, motor, or electronic control system. Only two small marks on the roof indicated where the lightning had hit. The mechanic noted this was the first time in his 12-year career he had seen a vehicle struck by lightning.

The lightning strikes mainly hit the roof rack area, creating visible electrical arcs with each impact. Despite this, the vehicle’s essential systems—the power battery, electric control unit, and motor—remained unharmed.

Li Yunfei, BYD’s general manager of brand and public relations, confirmed on Weibo that the vehicle’s safety systems worked effectively during the incident. The power cutoff protection system engaged automatically, preventing electrical faults and ensuring occupant safety. The driver remained inside until rescue teams arrived, and the vehicle was later towed.

Experts from Sanyan Tech explained that the vehicle’s metal body functions as a Faraday cage during lightning strikes. This directs the electrical current safely around the exterior and into the ground, protecting the occupants inside by maintaining equal electrical potential. It is recommended that passengers stay inside the vehicle after a strike and wait for professional help before exiting.

The Song Plus is part of BYD’s Ocean series, which also includes the Song Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid and other popular models like the Song L EV, Song L DM-i, and Song Pro DM-i. Together, these models are among BYD’s top sellers, with 59,026 units sold in July. The Song Plus was also China’s best-exported car model in the first half of the year, demonstrating its strong domestic and international appeal.