Fatal Nepal EV fire sparks investigation into battery safety and vehicle design
A 55-year-old driver died when his GAC Aion Y caught fire on the East-West Highway in Bharatpur, prompting authorities to probe the cause.
On an early Friday, a moving electric car ignited on the East-West Highway near Bharatpur, killing driver Amar Parajuli, a former school director. The vehicle, a GAC Aion Y imported by CG Motors Pvt. Ltd., is under investigation to determine whether the blaze stemmed from a battery fault, a crash, or external influences.
Specialists explain that lithium-ion batteries can enter thermal runaway after severe impact or internal short circuits, yet such events are rare in well-engineered EVs. Nepal’s records show two prior high-profile EV fires, both attributed to charging-system issues rather than battery failure. Authorities and experts caution against premature judgments based on video footage and emphasize the importance of a comprehensive technical review.
Why it matters
The death highlights safety questions about electric vehicles in Nepal and the need for clear investigation standards.
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