Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a serious traffic accident involving electric vehicles, particularly focusing on the safety features and design flaws of Xiaomi's electric cars, which have raised concerns about battery safety and door handle design in emergency situations [5][11]. Summary by Sections Accident Details - A traffic accident occurred on October 13, 2023, in Chengdu, resulting in the death of the driver, who was suspected of driving under the influence. The involved vehicles were both electric cars, and one caught fire after the collision [5][6]. Vehicle Safety Features - Xiaomi's vehicles, including the SU7 Ultra, are marketed with advanced safety features, such as a battery design intended to mitigate fire risks during collisions. The company claims that the battery pack has 17 layers of high-pressure insulation and can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C [7][8]. - The battery pack's bottom is reinforced with a bulletproof coating, enhancing its resistance to tearing and puncturing by 10 to 13 times compared to traditional materials [7]. Emergency Response Challenges - The design of the door handles in Xiaomi's vehicles has come under scrutiny. The vehicles use electronic door handles that may fail to operate in a collision, potentially trapping occupants inside during emergencies [9][10]. - Data indicates that vehicles with electronic door handles have a significantly lower success rate in emergency situations compared to those with mechanical handles [10]. Regulatory Implications - The accident has sparked discussions about upcoming regulations regarding battery safety and door handle designs in electric vehicles. New standards set to take effect in July 2026 will impose stricter safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries [11][12]. - Proposed regulations will also ban fully hidden door handles and require mechanical release mechanisms to improve rescue operations during emergencies [12].