A recent incident in Uttar Pradesh has drawn widespread attention after a Mahindra BE 6 EV erupted in flames near the Kurana Toll Plaza in Hapur. The viral video of the event shows the electric SUV suddenly emitting smoke before being engulfed in a massive blaze. The vehicle's owner, Aman Kharbanda, was reportedly driving from Bulandshahr to Hapur when the fire broke out. Local police from Hafizpur station rushed to the spot and quickly alerted fire tenders, who worked extensively to bring the situation under control. Traffic on the highway was temporarily disrupted as authorities managed the emergency.
हापुड़ में रविवार को महिंद्रा की इलेक्ट्रिक कार चलते-चलते जलकर खाक हो गई। गनीमत रही कि ड्राइवर की जान बच गई। इलेक्ट्रिक गाड़ियों में ब्लास्ट होना, उनका जलना आए दिन की घटनाएं हो गई हैं। लेकिन अफ़सोस कि इस तरफ़ ध्यान नहीं दिया जा रहा। pic.twitter.com/ZeI79oLQpM
— Bhadohi Wallah (@Mithileshdhar) January 25, 2026
Mahindra has since issued a preliminary statement regarding the incident. According to the company's initial assessment, the fire may have been triggered by prolonged simultaneous use of the accelerator and brake pedals. This unusual driving condition can cause repeated wheel spin, leading to excessive heat buildup in the affected wheel and surrounding components.
The brand clarified by stating- " We are aware of the recent incident involving a Mahindra BE 6 vehicle near Gulaothi.
Based on a thorough on site investigation combined with onboard sensor data and software diagnostics, we confirm that the EV battery and motor remain fully intact and unaffected. Quality and safety remain our utmost priority.
The following facts have been established:
All safety systems worked as designed. The driver and all occupants exited the vehicle safely and are unharmed.
A tyre high temperature alert was issued, following which protective safety measures were activated. These included limiting vehicle speed and system shutdown, safely bringing the vehicle to a halt.
Despite intense thermal stress originating from an external source, the high voltage battery remains unharmed and fully functional. Battery health parameters and individual cell voltages are within specified limits, and the motor is intact.
Vehicle data confirms that the car was driven for over 10 minutes at approximately 60 km/h on a fully deflated rear right tyre, despite repeated tyre pressure alerts being issued.
Onboard sensors indicate that ESP and TCS systems were actively intervening to control wheel spin of the deflated rear right tyre. The rear right wheel high temperature alert was triggered due to excessive friction between the deflated tyre and the road surface.
Analysis of bystander video footage confirms that the fire originated from the rear right tyre rubber, establishing the root cause of the incident."
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Under extreme circumstances, such overheating could potentially result in a fire. However, Mahindra emphasized that this is only an early analysis, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause. The automaker has assured that comprehensive findings will be shared once the probe is complete.
The incident has sparked conversations across the automotive industry and among EV owners, raising questions about driver behavior, vehicle safety systems, and the importance of transparent communication in cases of EV fires. As India continues to embrace electric mobility, such events highlight the need for thorough investigations backed by data to maintain consumer trust.
While EVs are generally considered safe, rare cases like this underline the importance of educating drivers on proper usage and ensuring that manufacturers provide clear guidelines and robust safety mechanisms. For Mahindra, the outcome of this investigation will be crucial in reinforcing confidence in its upcoming electric lineup, while for consumers, it serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges in the transition to cleaner mobility.
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According to data from September, Mahindra's born electric SUVs, BE 6 and XEV 9e, have achieved a new milestone, surpassing 20,000 units in just five months. The brand has also announced that the electric SUVs have clocked 9.3 crore kilometers in just 5 months. This comes within months of the launch of the electric vehicles and the beginning of deliveries. It is a significant milestone also because the automaker plans on expanding its electric vehicle lineup.
To accommodate the rising demand, Mahindra has significantly expanded its production capabilities. Between January and June 2025, the Chakan plant of the company manufactured 19,915 units of the BE 6 and XEV 9e, with dealer dispatches totaling 19,070 units.
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