Newly purchased Avatr 06 electric sedan from Changan, Huawei, and CATL catches fire in Fujian Province
Car had only 1,066 km of mileage when the incident occurred
Seven nearby cars including Audi, BMW, Mazda, and Aion damaged
No injuries reported, investigation underway
Avatr, Changan, and CATL yet to release official statements
A newly purchased Avatr 06 electric sedan burst into flames in Dongbi Village, Ningde City, Fujian Province, after just a month and a half on the road. The car had been driven for only 1,066 km since its purchase on August 28, 2025.
According to The Sanxiang Daily, the fire broke out on October 5, completely destroying the vehicle and damaging seven nearby cars, including luxury models from Audi, BMW, Mazda, and Aion. Fortunately, no one was injured. Photos from the scene showed the Avatr 06 engulfed in thick flames, its front section completely burned.
The owner reported that before the fire, the Avatr app displayed an interior temperature of 76.4°C, far higher than normal. Smoke was first seen near the front passenger seat, suggesting the blaze began inside the cabin.
The owner confirmed that representatives from Avatr contacted her after the incident, assuring her that the company would handle the matter appropriately.
Several potential explanations have surfaced while the official cause remains under investigation.
Accessory reflection – Automotive blogger Yu Dianke suggested that interior decorations or reflective accessories on the center console might have focused sunlight on the passenger seat, causing ignition.
Perfume explosion – Another theory points to a pressurized perfume bottle left in the cabin that could have exploded in extreme heat.
Electrical malfunction – Though not confirmed, an internal electrical or battery issue cannot yet be ruled out.
Authorities have not found any proof linking the fire to the vehicle’s CATL-made Shenxing LFP battery.
Launched in April 2025, the Avatr 06 is a mid-size electric sedan designed by Nader Fagihzadeh and co-developed by Changan, Huawei, and CATL. It blends futuristic styling with advanced EV technology and a luxurious cabin layout.
Avatr 06 Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 4855 mm |
| Width | 1960 mm |
| Height | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2940 mm |
| Battery (BEV) | 72.88 kWh CATL Shenxing LFP |
| Range (CLTC) | 600 to 650 km |
| Power Output (RWD) | 252 kW or 338 hp |
| Power Output (AWD) | 440 kW or 590 hp |
| Battery (EREV) | 31.7 kWh or 45.06 kWh Freevoy LFP |
| Range (EREV) | 170 to 240 km |
| Price Range | ¥209,900 to ¥279,900 (approx $29,480 to $39,315) |
The sedan features a large panoramic dashboard display, an additional floating driver screen, and an optional camera-based side mirror system.
The Avatr 06 operates on an 800V high-voltage platform supported by CATL’s Shenxing LFP battery pack, known for its enhanced overcurrent protection and rapid-charging capability.
The EREV version combines a 1.5-liter 115 kW petrol generator with an electric motor rated at 231 kW, delivering improved long-distance usability without compromising electric efficiency.
Despite its safety-focused design, this is the first reported fire incident involving the Avatr 06 since its launch.
As of now, Avatr, Changan, and CATL have not issued public statements addressing the incident. However, Avatr’s customer service team has reportedly contacted the vehicle owner.
The story has sparked wide discussion across Weibo and Douyin, where users are debating whether EV thermal management systems are being tested adequately before production.
The Avatr 06 has enjoyed strong market success since launch, selling over 24,000 units between April and August 2025, according to China EV DataTracker. Its growing popularity reflects strong consumer trust in the Avatr brand and its partnership with Huawei and CATL.
However, this incident may temporarily affect customer confidence and lead to more scrutiny of battery safety and after-sales response.
Authorities in Fujian have begun investigating the source of the fire. While such incidents remain rare, experts believe this case may prompt stricter EV safety regulations and potential software upgrades for interior temperature and battery monitoring systems.
The outcome of this investigation could shape future safety standards for electric vehicles in China, particularly concerning battery heat resistance and interior fire prevention.
The Avatr 06 fire in China highlights the challenges of maintaining thermal safety and consumer trust in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry. Although no injuries occurred, the event underscores the need for continuous improvement in battery protection, interior material safety, and user awareness.
As investigations continue, the findings are expected to influence both EV manufacturing standards and public confidence in China’s growing electric mobility market.