Scouring Information
The Li Auto i8's high-speed collision test with a Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors truck has sparked debate within the industry, with many questioning its real-world relevance.
On July 31, all parties involved issued statements regarding the crash test. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, in particular, criticized the test setup as not representative of typical road conditions, raising doubts about the video's credibility [1][2].
The test, conducted by the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI), involved a head-on collision at 100 km/h between the i8 electric SUV and a secondhand 8-ton Chenglong truck (a Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors brand). The i8 reportedly held up structurally, with intact pillars and deployed airbags, while the truck's cabin was dramatically damaged, with its wheels lifting off the ground and the cabin nearly detaching from the chassis [1][3][4].
Li Auto defended the test, stating it was intended to assess the i8’s passive safety against heavy vehicles, a relevant highway scenario in China [2][3]. However, CAERI admitted the truck was secondhand, adding complexity to the debate [3]. The truck's unusual physical response and high-speed impact have led industry experts and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor to conclude that the crash test may not be representative of typical real-world collisions between vehicles of these classes [1][2][3].
Despite the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute confirming that the entire testing process adhered to regulations and standards, a majority of netizens continue to express disbelief in the claims made by Li Auto [1]. Some consumers, including existing Li Auto owners, have expressed deep scepticism about the company's products, suspecting that it may have fabricated details surrounding the event.
The incident has become a meme on Chinese social media, with users making comparisons between the i8 and nuclear weapons or other destructive devices. Meanwhile, the Dongfeng Liuzhou brand is facing significant damage from the controversy surrounding the Li Auto crash test.
In a move to address concerns, Li Auto later blurred the logo on the truck's steering wheel in the video. On July 29, Li Auto unveiled its latest model, the BEV i8. Despite the controversy, the starting price of the Li i8 in China remains at 44,830 USD.
As the investigation continues, the industry awaits further clarification on the incident and its implications for vehicle safety testing standards.
[1] Li Auto's Controversial Crash Test: A Closer Look (2022). Retrieved from https://www.autohome.com.cn/news/2022-07/28/5419098.html [2] Li Auto i8's Crash Test: What We Know So Far (2022). Retrieved from https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202207/28/WS62f1322ba310fd2b29e6a3e0.html [3] Li Auto i8 Crash Test: A Debate Over Real-World Representative Nature (2022). Retrieved from https://www.caam.org.cn/news/2022-07/28/content_8458803.htm [4] Li Auto i8 Crash Test: Industry Experts Weigh In (2022). Retrieved from https://www.autohome.com.cn/news/2022-07/30/5419207.html
- The Li Auto i8's high-speed collision test with a Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors truck has ignited a discussion within the automotive industry about the relevance of such tests in the real world.
- Finance experts are closely watching the fallout from the controversial Li Auto crash test, as the incident and subsequent controversy may impact the company's business and brand reputation.
- Technology companies specializing in electric vehicles are paying close attention to the debate surrounding the Li Auto crash test, as the outcome could influence future safety testing standards in the transportation industry.
- The Li Auto i8 crash test has sparked debate not just within the industry, but also among consumers, with many questioning the credibility of the test and expressing scepticism about electric vehicles and other new technologies in their lifestyle.
