A devastating fire at Southampton docks has destroyed around 30 electric Jaecoo SUVs, in a major setback for the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The blaze occurred just weeks before China's new 'no fire, no explosion' battery safety regulation is due to come into effect on 1 July.
The Jaecoo SUVs were being transported to the UK when the fire broke out, with eyewitnesses describing the scene as 'catastrophic'. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The timing of the incident could not be worse for Chinese lawmakers, who are under pressure to ensure that EVs meet strict safety standards. The new regulation requires manufacturers to ensure that their batteries are safe and do not pose a risk of fire or explosion.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, with critics arguing that the industry has been slow to address safety issues. However, proponents of EVs argue that they are still a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option than traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
The UK government has been keen to promote the adoption of EVs, with a target of banning petrol and diesel cars by 2030. However, the incident has highlighted the need for greater scrutiny of EV safety.
The opposition has seized on the incident, with the Labour Party's Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, calling for greater action to ensure the safety of EVs. 'This incident highlights the urgent need for greater regulation and oversight of the electric vehicle industry,' she said.