Investigation
The Li Auto i8 electric SUV's head-on collision test has sparked controversy in China, with questions surrounding the legitimacy and objectivity of the test conditions. The controversy arose when Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors, the manufacturer of the truck involved in the collision, accused Li Auto of using a non-compliant vehicle and a specially designed setup for the test, which could distort the results.
In response, Li Auto claimed that the crash test was meant to simulate a real-world scenario and was conducted by a third-party agency, the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI), without specifying the opposing vehicle model or controlling the test environment. Li Auto also emphasized that the test was to verify the i8’s safety and not a direct comparison, stating that Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor was not a direct competitor and was unintentionally involved.
The controversy has raised concerns about potential bias, with many netizens expressing disbelief in Li Auto's claims. The incident has become a meme on Chinese social media, with comparisons being made between the i8 and destructive devices.
Despite the controversy, the i8 was launched in China with a starting price of 44,830 USD. Following the collision, the i8's A, B, and C pillars, along with the door beams, remained undamaged. Additionally, there were no leaks or fires from the i8's battery pack after the collision. The doors of the i8 automatically unlocked and the handles popped open after the collision, and all nine airbags deployed successfully.
Despite the controversy, Li Auto unveiled its latest model, the BEV i8, on July 29. However, suggestions for another crash test with the CEOs in the vehicles have been met with skepticism, as they are not feasible.
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors expressed concerns that the truck's suspension may have been altered in the crash test. CEO Li Xiang of Li Auto emphasized the truck's weight, stating it weighed 8 tons, not 8 tons loaded. By July 31, all parties involved issued statements, revealing significant disagreements.
[1] Li Auto's Response to Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's Criticism (July 31, 2022) [2] Li Auto Defends Head-On Collision Test (July 31, 2022) [3] Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Criticizes Li Auto's Collision Test (July 29, 2022) [4] Li Auto's Head-On Collision Test Sparks Controversy (July 30, 2022) [5] Netizens Question Li Auto's Collision Test (July 30, 2022)
- The controversy regarding the Li Auto i8 electric SUV's head-on collision test has led to Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors questioning the legitimacy of the test conditions and accusing Li Auto of using a non-compliant vehicle and a specially designed setup.
- Li Auto has defended its crash test, claiming it was meant to simulate a real-world scenario and was conducted by a third-party agency, the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI), without specifying the opposing vehicle model or controlling the test environment.
- Netizens on Chinese social media have expressed disbelief in Li Auto's claims, and the incident has become a meme, with comparisons being made between the i8 and destructive devices.
- Despite the controversy, the i8 was launched in China with a starting price of 44,830 USD, and despite the concerns raised, Li Auto, in response to the controversy, unveiled its latest model, the BEV i8, on July 29.
