While the electric vehicle population on Turkish roads is rapidly increasing, alarming news continues to emerge from the popular D-SUV model ET5 from the Chinese manufacturer Skywell. Most recently, a Skywell ET5 parked in the Çankaya district of Ankara caught fire for an unknown reason. The consecutive fire incidents in recent months are once again raising questions about the model’s battery safety and electrical infrastructure.

The Incident in Ankara’s Çankaya is Not the First: The Number of Incidents is Increasing

Although the latest incident in Ankara was brought under control by fire brigades, the vehicle suffered significant material damage. This development is turning from an isolated malfunction into a series that is unsetting vehicle owners.

Because last month, following an ET5 that caught fire while driving in Tekirdağ, another ET5 parked in Torbalı district of İzmir was completely destroyed by fire and rendered unusable.

Automotive journalist Taylan Özgür Dil, who closely followed the process, shared noteworthy details, stating that the fire in İzmir belonged to a friend of his.

It emerged that the vehicle owner, who stated that there was no third-party software or unauthorized modification in his vehicle, took extra care to park his car in open areas due to the increasing number of fire reports. The fact that similar incidents have occurred previously in different cities, especially Istanbul, strengthens the suspicion of a chronic technical problem.

Possible Causes of Fires: Focus on Battery and Thermal Management

Fires in electric cars reach much higher temperatures compared to internal combustion engines and are considerably more difficult to extinguish due to chemical reaction (thermal runaway). The following technical possibilities stand out as the cause of the incidents in Skywell ET5 models:

• In-Cell Short Circuit: Short circuit in the lithium-based cells in the battery pack due to manufacturing defects or deformation caused by impact.
• Thermal Management System (BMS) Malfunctions: Failure of the battery management software to detect overheating in time or malfunctions in coolant circulation.
• High Voltage Distribution Lines: Leaks and insulation weaknesses in the electrical installation during parking or charging.

Expectation of Official Statement and Recall

The fire incidents that occurred in quick succession in major cities such as Tekirdağ, İzmir, Istanbul, and Ankara are directly targeting the Skywell Turkey distributor and manufacturer. Consumers are demanding a comprehensive technical investigation and, if necessary, an official recall campaign against this situation, which directly threatens life and property safety. The sector is eagerly awaiting when the company will share a comprehensive and satisfactory report on the matter.