Chinese EV withstands 3 successive lightning strikes; driver unscathed

A BYD Song Plus electric vehicle (EV) in Guangxi, China, was struck by lightning three times in quick succession while parked at a service area, yet the driver remained unharmed and the vehicle sustained no critical damage. Dashcam footage captured the dramatic event, where lightning repeatedly hit the roof rack area, leaving only two visible strike points on the roof. Subsequent inspections by dealership technicians confirmed that the EV’s core components—including the power battery pack, electric control unit, and motor—were unaffected. Experts attribute the safety of the occupants and the vehicle to the “Faraday cage” effect, where the metal body of a sealed car channels electrical current around the exterior and safely into the ground, protecting those inside from harm. Safety recommendations emphasize that occupants should remain inside the vehicle during and after lightning strikes, avoid touching metal surfaces, switch off electronic systems, retract antennas, and keep windows closed to maintain the protective enclosure. Waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before exiting