Footage recorded during heavy rains in Shenyang, China, shows a BYD Tang model wading through a deep puddle when a large piece of its lower body broke off. This image, which spread rapidly on social media, started a debate in the automotive industry.
Automotive engineers and sources such as CarNewsChina state that the hydrodynamic water pressure that occurs when entering deep water at high speed can remove the protection panel under the vehicle. The fact that the broken piece appears structurally bulkier indicates that the electric motor or hybrid components may be damaged. However, the fact that the vehicle continues on its way with the brake lights on indicates that there is no mechanical malfunction.
After the incident, neither BYD China head office nor distributors made an official statement. Since the damage history of the vehicle is unknown, claims of 'the engine crashed' have not yet been confirmed.