Xiaomi fatal crash sparks debate: Huawei details multi-layer car safety measures
On October 13, 2025, a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra was involved in a traffic accident on Tianfu Avenue in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, resulting in one fatality. The incident, reportedly caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol, sparked discussion about vehicle safety and emergency access systems in modern electric vehicles.
Following the accident, Huawei Executive Director and CEO of the Consumer Business Group, Yu Chengdong, highlighted the company’s approach to vehicle safety on his social media account, as reported by IT-home. He wrote: “Safety is the greatest luxury! We always strive to achieve the highest standards of quality and Safety.” Yu referenced a video he originally posted on July 17, demonstrating the Aito M8’s collision unlock redundancy module (CPM) and the vehicle’s four-layer door lock system in HarmonyOS-equipped vehicles.
In the video, Yu explained that conventional door locks can fail during severe collisions if any single module, such as the collision signal receiver, power supply, or control drive, malfunctions. Huawei’s CPM module duplicates these critical systems, positions them in protected locations, and includes a dedicated safety line for collision signal reception. Yu emphasised: “Our four-layer door lock design shows its importance in critical moments. Emergency access to the vehicle is essential.”
He also highlighted the structural protections around the battery pack and the high safety standards of Huawei’s Whale battery platform, noting that these measures, combined with the redundant door lock system, form an integrated approach to occupant safety.
Video footage from the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra incident shows bystanders attempting to break the car’s windows and spraying a fire extinguisher at the driver’s seat area before firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames. Local traffic police confirmed that alcohol was involved, and one person died.
Huawei’s commentary focuses on technical safety features rather than the incident itself, showing how HarmonyOS vehicles integrate redundant door lock systems, battery protection, and emergency access mechanisms. The explanation provides insight into how the company designs vehicles to maintain Safety under extreme conditions and how redundant systems may improve emergency outcomes in collisions.
