BYD EV Struck By Lightning Holds Up Fine - CleanTechnica

A BYD Song Plus electric vehicle (EV) in Beihai, Guangxi, China, was struck by lightning three times while in motion, with a human driver inside. Remarkably, both the driver and the car sustained only minimal damage. A mechanic who inspected the vehicle confirmed that the power battery pack, electronic control system, and motor showed no signs of short-circuiting or damage. The lightning strikes left three small marks on the roof but did not impair the vehicle’s functionality. The incident challenges common misconceptions about lightning and cars, particularly the belief that rubber tires protect occupants from lightning strikes. In reality, the metal shell of a hard-topped vehicle provides protection to those inside by directing the lightning current around the occupants and to the ground, often through the tires. While lightning can cause damage such as melted antennas, shattered windows, destroyed tires, or even fires, this BYD EV demonstrated strong resilience. The event offers reassurance about the safety and durability of EVs in extreme weather conditions