Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has initiated a significant recall of almost 100,000 Atto 3 and Dolphin models in its home market due to a potential fire risk associated with the electric steering system. The recall's impact on Australian-market vehicles remains unclear, raising concerns for local BYD owners and prospective buyers.
BYD has recalled 96,714 Yuan Plus (known as Atto 3 in Australia) and Dolphin EVs in China. The issue stems from potential microcracks in the capacitor of the Column-Assist Electric Power Steering (CEPS) controller.Affected vehicles were built between November 2022 and December 2023.
The fault could lead to short circuits, causing the capacitor to overheat and potentially catch fire.
BYD and EVDirect (Australian importer) have been contacted to clarify the recall's impact on Australian vehicles. No recall notices have been issued in Australia regarding this fault as of yet.BYD has only issued one recall in Australia to date, involving 703 Atto 3s for a seat tether modification.
As BYD's presence in the Australian market continues to grow, this recall in China raises important questions about the safety and quality control of their electric vehicles. While the impact on Australian-market vehicles remains uncertain, it underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and prompt communication with consumers regarding potential risks.
