Xiaomi EV crash kills three, raises safety concerns

Xiaomi is cooperating with a police investigation following a fatal crash of its SU7 electric vehicle, which was in Navigate On Autopilot mode when it collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in the deaths of three college students. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at high speeds and had issued a warning to the driver before the accident occurred. This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of assisted driving technologies and has led to intense scrutiny regarding the vehicle's ability to handle emergency situations, including why it caught fire after the crash. Xiaomi's founder expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and highlighted the company's commitment to clarity in the investigation. The company has seen a decline in its share price since the accident, and discussions surrounding the effectiveness of its autonomous driving features have intensified. The crash underscores broader issues within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, especially regarding the marketing and reliability of autonomous driving technologies in China.