Mahindra and Mahindra has issued an official clarification after a BE 6 electric SUV caught fire on the road, an incident that gained traction after a video circulated on social media. The footage, widely shared online over the past few days, raised questions about the safety of the newly introduced electric model and sparked extensive discussion across digital platforms. In response, the company explained the sequence of events that led to the fire, addressed safety-related concerns raised online, and reiterated its position on vehicle safety and transparency.Key findings of Mahindra’s investigationAccording to the company, a detailed on-site inspection, supported by onboard sensor data and software diagnostics, showed that the fire did not originate from the electric powertrain. Mahindra said all core EV components remained intact and within prescribed operating limits despite the incident. The automaker stated that the vehicle’s safety systems functioned as intended. All occupants were able to exit safely and were unharmed. Data from the vehicle shows that a tyre high-temperature alert was triggered, after which the system initiated protective measures, including speed limitation and a controlled shutdown that brought the vehicle to a halt.
Mahindra’s findings indicate that the vehicle was driven for over 10 minutes at around 60 kmph with a fully deflated rear right tyre, even as multiple tyre 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’s high-temperature warning was a result of excessive friction between the deflated tyre and the road surface. An analysis of video footage recorded by bystanders further confirmed that the fire originated from the tyre rubber, establishing it as the root cause of the incident.
Mahindra’s investigation into the BE 6 fire incident indicates that the cause was prolonged driving on a fully deflated rear tyre and not a fault in the vehicle’s electric powertrain. Company data shows that the battery and motor were unaffected and that safety systems functioned as designed, enabling all occupants to exit safely. Although the incident drew attention after a video circulated online, the findings point to a tyre-related issue and highlight the need for drivers to respond promptly to vehicle alerts and warnings.
