BYD EV and its driver survive being struck by lightning three times

A BYD electric vehicle (EV) has been caught on dashcam being struck by lightning three times, but its battery and electric motor reportedly remained intact – and, more importantly, so did the driver.

Sanyan Technology reports the roof of the Song Plus EV – an electric version of the Sealion 6 sold here – was struck thrice at a service area in Beihai, in the Guangxi province on August 6, 2025. This was caught by the dashcams of nearby vehicles.

While bolts of lightning strike the car directly and brief flashes of fire can be seen underneath it, the owner was unharmed.

This was aided in part by modern vehicle construction, in which passenger compartments function somewhat like Faraday cages and therefore serve as a much safer place to be than outside during a lightning storm.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

The owner reportedly stayed in the car after the strikes and called for help, which is something authorities advise is the right thing to do. The vehicle also activated its power-off protection function.

Upon later inspection by technicians, the vehicle’s battery pack, electronic controls, and electric motor reportedly showed no signs of short-circuiting, while exterior damage consisted only of some minor scorch marks.

BYD’s PR general manager took to Chinese social media site Weibo to brag about the electric SUV’s performance.

“Our Song PLUS EV withstood three lightning strikes, and the owner is safe and sound, with all three components (battery, motor, and electronic control) intact!” said Li Yunfei.