The electric vehicle world was recently rocked by news out of China: a Li Auto Mega MPV, a vehicle that’s only been on the market since March 2024, suddenly burst into flames. The fire, which reportedly started in the chassis where the CATL-made battery resides, engulfed the entire EV in a mere ten seconds. This incident, occurring on October 23 in Shanghai’s Xuhui District, has sparked an immediate investigation by both Li Auto and the local fire department.
While the cause is still under wraps, initial reports from Dianchejie suggest no prior collision, pointing fingers toward the battery pack as a potential ignition source. Thankfully, the Mega lived up to some of its safety promises, with the doors automatically unlocking to allow the driver and a passenger to escape the rapidly escalating inferno. Photos from the scene confirm the intensity of the blaze, leaving behind a completely charred metal frame.
This isn’t the first time a Li Auto Mega has seen fiery misfortune. At least two other Mega minivans have caught fire since June 2025, though those incidents were attributed to external factors. This latest case, however, raises serious questions, especially given the lack of a definitive conclusion regarding the cause.
Unpacking the Li Mega
The Li Auto Mega is an impressive machine, measuring in at 5350mm long, 1965mm wide, and 1850mm tall, with a spacious 3300mm wheelbase. Its sleek, aerodynamic design boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.215 Cd – pretty slick for a large MPV. Inside, it offers seating for seven, with an option for rotating second-row captain’s chairs to create a more lounge-like feel. It’s definitely designed for comfort and practicality, fitting right into the increasingly popular MPV segment in China.
| Metric | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | 5.5 | s | |
| Peak power | 400 | kW | 536 hp |
| Range (CLTC) | 710 | km | |
| Battery capacity | 102.7 | kWh | |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | — | CATL-made Qilin ternary battery |
| Charging technology | 5C | — | Ultra-fast charging capability |
| Length | 5350 | mm | |
| Width | 1965 | mm | |
| Height | 1850 | mm | |
| Wheelbase | 3300 | mm | |
| Starting Price | 529,800 – 559,800 | yuan | 74,340 – 78,550 USD |
Underneath that sleek exterior, the Li Mega packs a punch with a standard dual-motor 4WD system, delivering a hefty 400 kW (536 hp) of peak power. This power comes from a 102.7 kWh ternary NMC battery, providing a respectable 710 km of range under CLTC conditions. It’s also no slouch off the line, hitting 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 5.5 seconds. With a price tag ranging from 529,800 to 559,800 yuan (74,340 to 78,550 USD), it’s positioned as a premium offering in the segment. Li Auto has been making bold moves into the pure EV market, and the Mega was designed to lead that charge.
The Broader Impact
Li Auto has seen solid sales for the Mega, moving a cumulative 25,817 units since its launch. September 2025 was a peak, with 3,277 units delivered. However, this recent fire could throw a wrench into its market performance. The company’s prompt cooperation with authorities is crucial for maintaining consumer trust. After all, when it comes to EVs, battery safety is paramount.
This incident highlights a critical area of focus for all EV manufacturers, especially those leveraging advanced technologies like 5C charging. While the investigation continues, it serves as a stark reminder that even with cutting-edge battery suppliers like CATL, ensuring complete safety remains an ongoing challenge in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. The Chinese EV market is a hotbed of innovation and competition, and incidents like this are closely watched, influencing not just one brand but the entire industry’s reputation. Standardizing battery data across the industry is one step being taken to improve safety and transparency.
As car enthusiasts, we’re always looking for groundbreaking performance and innovative features, and the Li Mega certainly delivers on those fronts. But at the end of the day, reliability and safety are what truly matter. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the results of this investigation and how it impacts the future of the Li Mega and other EVs in China. You can find more updates on the Chinese EV market, including sales trends and new model releases, by staying tuned.
