Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV fire incident in Chhattisgarh: Latest updates |

In a concerning incident, a Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV caught fire while traveling on a highway in Chhattisgarh, India. Fortunately, the passengers, including the owner escaped the SUV without sustaining any serious injuries before the fire engulfed the EV. The incident, captured on camera by the vehicle’s owner, shows the e-SUV engulfed in flames, raising questions about the safety and reliability of electric vehicles on the road.
Here’s what we know so far:
The exact cause of the fire is not known yet and the company, so far, hasn’t released any official statement yet. However, it is expected that the investigations into the matter should be underway as incidents of this nature prompt concerns within the automotive industry and among consumers.

This incident puts a spotlight on potential fire risks associated with EVs, primarily due to the presence of high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. While relatively rare, EV fires can be intense and challenging to extinguish due to the unique properties of these batteries. In the Indian market, especially, EV fires have been a big concern among the consumers, as it comes as one of the major roadblocks in the transition towards green mobility, besides other factors such as lacking charging infra, and more.
The Volvo C40 Recharge was launched at a starting price of Rs 61.25 lakh, ex-showroom, in India, in September 2023. The model comes with two motors, one on each axle, and a big 78kWh battery. It’s said to be able to travel up to 530km on one charge according to the WLTP cycle or up to 683km as per ICAT.
While the cause of this particular event is unknown, it shows why it’s important to keep working on making EV batteries and safety systems better. It also reminds us how important it is to have strict rules and good plans for dealing with fires to make sure EVs are safe for more people to use.
We reached out to Volvo Cars India and we can expect an official statement from the company soon. It’s important to note that this is a developing story, and further details may emerge as the investigation progresses. We will continue to update this report as additional information becomes available.