Saint Lucia unaffected by largest BYD battery recall

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has initiated its most extensive recall to date, impacting over 115,000 vehicles in China. The recall stems from battery-related risks and design defects, raising concerns about vehicle safety. However, JQ Motors, BYD’s local distributor in Saint Lucia, has assured customers that models sold in the Caribbean nation are unaffected by this recall.

A spokesperson from JQ Motors emphasized the manufacturer’s rigorous notification process, stating, ‘Our models are not part of this recall. In the event of any recalls, whether safety-related or not, the manufacturer promptly informs all dealers and specifies the affected chassis numbers.’

The recall, announced by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on October 17, includes 44,535 Tang series SUVs manufactured between March 2015 and July 2017. These vehicles are being recalled due to component design flaws that could lead to abnormal functionality. Additionally, 71,248 Yuan Pro EVs produced between February 2021 and August 2022 are being recalled over manufacturing issues related to battery installation.

This latest recall follows a separate incident in September 2024, where nearly 97,000 Dolphin and Yuan Plus EVs were recalled due to steering system faults that posed a fire risk. The consecutive recalls highlight ongoing challenges in BYD’s quality control and manufacturing processes, despite its rapid growth in the global EV market.