Hangzhou is said to be a pioneer among Chinese cities in the deployment of plug-in vehicles. In late January, the city announced that 15 electric Zotye Multiplas and 15 battery-powered Haima Freema would serve as taxicabs on its streets.
Plans had called for that electric fleet to hit 200 units by year’s end, but the blaze is likely to alter the city’s scheme. A Zotye made electric taxi spontaneously exploded in Hangzhou approximately on April 13. Firefighters supposedly arrived at the scene within minutes, but couldn’t control the blaze. According to the China Auto Web, the vehicle turned into a “fireball,” but luckily, the driver and two passengers escaped without injury. The exact cause of the fire has not been revealed.
The Hangzhou New Energy Taxi Company – the firm that operates the city’s electric taxis – announced within hours after the incident that all 30 vehicles were to be pulled from the streets immediately. Let’s hope this kind of negative reaction to plug-in vehicles doesn’t spread from incidents like thes
