Tesla Model Y loses power with 72 km range, ignites China debate over EV safety buffers
On the evening of February 7, 2026, a 2022-model Tesla Model Y experienced a sudden loss of propulsion followed by a complete electrical shutdown on a highway in Zhejiang province while travelling from Shanghai toward Taizhou. The vehicle stopped approximately 2 km before the Shengzhou service area. The incident drew widespread attention on Chinese social media and automotive platforms after being reported by China.com.
According to the report, the vehicle’s dashboard showed about 72 kilometres of remaining range when the problem began. The driver, identified as Ms Chen, said the vehicle suddenly lost power and decelerated before all electrical systems shut down. She reported that the central display turned off, steering assist was lost, and hazard warning lights could not be activated after the shutdown. The driver guided the vehicle into the emergency lane using momentum before it became fully immobilised.
Highway rescue personnel arrived within approximately 10 minutes of receiving the call. Staff from the nearby Shengzhou service area and traffic police assisted in securing the vehicle and restoring basic power so it could be moved safely. The vehicle was later transported for further inspection. No injuries were reported.
China.com also cited other Tesla owners describing broadly similar power-loss experiences. In one previously reported case involving a Tesla Model 3, the vehicle displayed system warnings and entered a restricted performance mode during highway driving, and subsequently lost electrical functions after stopping. The owner said vehicle systems, including electronic door locks and windows, could not operate normally until roadside assistance arrived. Service personnel later attributed that incident to a fault in a vehicle component. These accounts have circulated among owners in discussions alongside the recent Model Y case.
In the United States, Tesla has also addressed propulsion loss in its vehicles through official safety recalls. In October 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded a recall of nearly 13,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles due to a battery pack contactor defect that could unexpectedly interrupt high-voltage power and cause a loss of drive power. Tesla issued a remedy to replace the affected components, according to regulatory filings cited by Forbes.
Emergency roadside assistance reached Ms Chen’s vehicle in about 10 minutes. Highway police and service area staff assisted at the scene. According to China.com, Tesla’s after-sales personnel later informed the owner that the battery was unstable and that the vehicle was out of warranty. Service personnel also advised that during highway driving, charging is recommended when the remaining range reaches around 100 km. The response has since been widely discussed among EV owners online.
The Zhejiang incident has prompted broader discussion among electric vehicle users in China regarding displayed driving range, reserve margins during highway travel, and how vehicles respond to unexpected electrical faults. Some owners questioned how remaining range estimates relate to real-world operating conditions, particularly for vehicles in service for several years.
As of the publication date, Tesla China has not released a detailed technical analysis explaining the specific cause of the shutdown. There is no publicly available evidence linking the case to any existing recall, and the company has not announced any new service actions related to the incident.
The Model Y is one of the highest-volume electric vehicles in China. According to China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) data, Tesla delivered more than 456,000 Model Y units in China in 2025, making it one of the country’s best-selling battery electric SUVs. The large number of vehicles in operation means individual incidents can attract significant public attention.
Tesla operates its largest global production facility in Shanghai, where the Model Y is manufactured for both domestic sale and export. The event occurred during a period of continued expansion and competition in China’s battery electric vehicle market, where Tesla remains one of several major participants alongside domestic manufacturers. No direct connection between broader market developments and this individual incident has been established.
Updated 20/2/2026 3:00 China time
