Mahindra BE.6 Fire Incident: Official Investigation Reveals Surprising Cause – It Wasn’t the Battery

👉 The recent viral videos of a Mahindra BE.6 electric SUV catching fire in Gulaothi, Uttar Pradesh, sent shockwaves through the EV community. However, Mahindra has now issued a comprehensive official clarification, putting to rest concerns regarding the vehicle’s battery safety.

After a thorough technical investigation, the homegrown automaker confirmed that the fire was not caused by a battery malfunction or an electrical short circuit. Instead, the root cause was a mechanical issue triggered by human oversight.

The Cause: Friction, Not Voltage

According to Mahindra’s official statement, the fire was the result of the vehicle being driven for an extended period with a completely deflated rear right tyre.

Data logs from the vehicle show that the BE.6 was driven for over 10 minutes at speeds of approximately 60 kmph while the tyre was flat. This created extreme friction between the rubber, the wheel rim, and the road surface. The resulting heat buildup reached a flashpoint, causing the tyre rubber to ignite.

Key Highlights from the Investigation

• Battery Integrity : Despite the intensity of the external fire, the high-voltage battery pack and motor remained intact. Post-incident data showed that cell voltages were within normal operating parameters.

• Ignored Alerts : The vehicle’s Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and onboard diagnostic tools issued multiple high-temperature and low-pressure warnings, which were reportedly ignored by the driver.

• System Intervention : The BE.6’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS) attempted to compensate for the uneven wheel spin before the car eventually initiated a controlled safety shutdown.

• Occupant Safety : Most importantly, the vehicle’s safety protocols allowed all passengers to exit the car unharmed before the fire spread.

Is the Mahindra BE.6 Safe?

For potential buyers of the Mahindra BE.6, this clarification is a significant relief. The "INGLO" platform, which underpins Mahindra’s new "Born Electric" range, appears to have performed exactly as designed. The fact that the battery did not undergo "thermal runaway"—the chain reaction that usually leads to uncontrollable EV fires—is a testament to the thermal management systems Mahindra has implemented.

Expert Advice for EV Owners

This incident serves as a critical reminder for all vehicle owners, whether driving an EV or an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car :

1. Never ignore TPMS alerts : Driving on a flat tyre is a fire hazard regardless of the fuel type.

2. Pull over immediately : If you feel a change in vehicle handling or hear unusual road noise, stop and inspect the wheels.

3. Trust the Dashboard : Modern EVs like the BE.6 are "computers on wheels"—their warnings are designed to prevent catastrophic failures.

Conclusion

While the sight of a burning EV is often used to question the safety of electric mobility, the Mahindra BE.6 fire incident proves that the battery technology itself was not the weak link. Mahindra's transparency in releasing the vehicle data logs provides much-needed confidence as India transitions toward a greener automotive future.

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