CATL-powered EV catches sudden fire, burns down to 'skeletal frame'

On October 23, 2025, a Li Auto Mega electric MPV powered by a CATL battery pack suddenly caught fire while driving in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. Witnesses reported no collision or external impact before flames erupted from the vehicle’s chassis, where the battery is located. The fire quickly consumed the entire minivan, leaving only a charred skeletal frame. Thanks to the vehicle’s automatic door release system, the driver and passenger escaped unharmed. Li Auto, in cooperation with local fire authorities, has launched an investigation into the cause, with early indications pointing to the battery pack as the potential ignition source. This incident is particularly concerning as it marks the third fire involving Li Auto Mega vehicles in China since June 2025, although previous cases were linked to external factors. The latest fire’s cause remains undetermined, raising new safety questions about the model. The Li Auto Mega, introduced in March 2024 as the company’s first fully electric MPV, has seen steady