Mahindra responds with clarification on BE6 fire incident: Full details

Mahindra & Mahindra has issued an official clarification after a BE6 electric SUV caught fire on the road, after a video of the incident went viral on social media. The footage, shared widely online over the past few days, raised questions about the safety of the newly introduced electric model and sparked widespread discussion on digital platforms. In response, the company explained the sequence of events that led to the fire, addressed safety concerns raised online, and reiterated its position on vehicle safety and transparency.Main findings of Mahindra’s investigationAccording to the company, a detailed on-site inspection supported by onboard sensor data and software diagnostics revealed that the fire did not originate from the electric powertrain. Mahindra said that despite the incident, all key EV components remained intact and remained within the prescribed operating limits. The automaker said the vehicle’s safety systems functioned as expected. All occupants were able to get out safely and were unharmed. Vehicle data shows that a high tire temperature warning was issued, after which the system initiated protective measures including speed limit and controlled shutdown, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Mahindra’s findings indicate that the vehicle was driven with the right rear tire flat for more than 10 minutes at a speed of approximately 60 kmph, even as multiple tire pressure alerts were issued. Onboard sensors also recorded active intervention by the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS), which attempted to manage wheel spin caused by the deflated tyre.The company said the rear right wheel high temperature warning was the result of excessive friction between the deflated tire and the road surface. Analysis of video footage recorded by bystanders confirmed that the fire originated from tire rubber, proving it to be the root cause of the incident.

Mahindra’s investigation into the BE6 fire incident indicates that the cause was driving for extended periods on a fully deflated rear tyre, and not a fault in the vehicle’s electric powertrain. Company data shows that the batteries and motor were unaffected and safety systems were working as designed, allowing everyone to evacuate safely. Although the incident gained attention after a video circulated online, the findings point to a tire-related issue and highlight the need for drivers to respond quickly to vehicle alerts and warnings.