Tragedy on the Road: Xiaomi SU7 Crash Raises Questions About EV Autopilot Safety

On March 29, 2025, a fatal accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle shook both the auto industry and investors alike. The incident, which occurred on the Deshang Expressway in China's Anhui province, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. As Xiaomi races into the competitive EV market, this tragedy puts a spotlight on the growing concerns around the safety and readiness of autonomous driving technologies.

Xiaomi SU7. Photo from mi.com

What Happened?

According to Xiaomi’s official statement, the SU7 was operating in its “Navigate on Autopilot” (NOA) mode—Xiaomi's advanced driver-assistance system—when it encountered road construction on the expressway. The vehicle, traveling at 116 km/h, began to decelerate upon detecting an obstacle. At that point, the human driver took manual control, but the vehicle struck a cement barrier at around 97 km/h.

Despite efforts to slow down and regain control, the collision proved fatal, raising questions about both the technology and human-machine interaction in high-pressure scenarios.

Xiaomi’s Response

Xiaomi responded swiftly, expressing deep regret and offering full cooperation with local authorities. The company is assisting investigators with driving logs and onboard system data. This transparency is crucial not only for legal accountability but also for maintaining consumer trust in the nascent Xiaomi EV brand.

Market Fallout

The news hit the financial markets quickly. Xiaomi shares fell by 5.5% in Hong Kong trading as investors grew wary about the implications for the company’s EV ambitions. Xiaomi’s SU7 is a flagship product in its new auto division, and any dent in consumer confidence could significantly impact its market rollout.

This event comes just days after the much-anticipated SU7 launch, which generated buzz for its sleek design, competitive pricing, and bold promises in smart driving. But now, the conversation has shifted from innovation to safety.

What This Means for the EV Industry

This crash is a sobering reminder that while driver-assist systems are advancing rapidly, they are not infallible. Even the best technology must contend with unpredictable road conditions and human behavior. The incident underscores the importance of:

• Clear handoff protocols between autonomous systems and drivers.

• Robust safety testing in complex real-world scenarios.

• Public education on the capabilities and limitations of NOA-like features.

It also signals to regulators that oversight may need to evolve in tandem with technology adoption, especially as more EV makers launch similar smart-driving solutions.

The Road Ahead

As investigations continue, the auto industry will be watching closely. For Xiaomi, this is a pivotal moment—how it manages the crisis and adapts its technology could define the trajectory of its automotive venture.

For consumers and investors, the takeaway is clear: while the EV revolution brings exciting innovation, safety must always remain in the driver’s seat.