As electric vehicles continue to surge in popularity, their shortcomings are becoming more apparent. A recent incident involving a Chinese-American resident in Southern California highlights this concerning trend.

In 2023, the U.S. electric vehicle market reached record sales, surpassing 1.3 million units, with EVs emerging as a preferred choice for many, including an increasing number of buyers from the Chinese community. However, with this growth come challenges, most notably range anxiety and charging difficulties. A particularly alarming case unfolded when a local resident experienced a terrifying breakdown that has left him shaken.

Mr. Liu, a resident of Southern California, purchased a well-known electric vehicle last December. Approximately three months ago, while commuting to his office, his car failed unexpectedly. “I remember the dashboard lighting up with warning signals, and the steering wheel became heavier until the vehicle lost all power,” Liu recalled. The incident occurred during rush hour on a busy freeway, making him feel particularly vulnerable. “There was a large truck not far behind me, almost rear-ending me. Thinking back, it’s a chilling thought,” he reflected with a nervous laugh.

Initially, Liu managed to restart his vehicle, dismissing the incident as a random glitch. However, the same issue recurred recently, and this time, restarting took significantly longer. After two frightening incidents with the same model, he began questioning the vehicle’s reliability and safety.

When he contacted the dealership, they informed him that a vehicle inspection was required. Should they determine it was a manufacturing issue, they would consider a buyback. Since Liu leased his vehicle, the dealership mentioned he might be able to terminate his lease early. However, if the problem was not a fault of the vehicle, no buyback would be offered. After consulting a lawyer, Liu discovered he wasn’t alone; there have been multiple reports of similar failures linked to his car model.

In addition to Liu’s experience, another Southern California resident, Vicky, shared a distressing account on social media about being trapped in her electric vehicle with her child. She recounted how her car refused to start unexpectedly, and in her panic, neither the doors nor windows would open. Ultimately, she had to break a window to escape. “I can’t imagine what would have happened if my child were alone in the car and unable to get out,” she said, clearly shaken by the thought.

Fox News also reported on a similar incident involving Kassandra Pineda, who found herself locked out of her electric vehicle with her 13-month-old son inside. On a sweltering day with temperatures soaring to 109 degrees, Kassandra desperately pounded on the windows, but they wouldn’t budge. Fortunately, another EV owner at the charging station used fishing gear to shatter the window. However, by the time she reached her son, he was drenched in sweat and visibly traumatized.

These alarming accounts raise crucial questions regarding the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, particularly as they become an increasingly common choice among consumers.