BYD Electric Car Struck By Lightning Three Times In A Row, Drivers Are Safe Thanks To Faraday Effect

BYD Song Plus electric car was struck by lightning three times in a row. (Photo: Sanyan Tech)

JAKARTA A recent horrific incident occurred in China, where a BYD Song Plus electric car was struck by lightning three times in a row. Despite being struck repeatedly, the driver in it managed to survive without any injury. This dramatic incident, CarNewsChina reported, Friday, August 8, was caught by the dashcam of another vehicle in the Tieshan service area.

Video footage shows a flash of light and an electric bow snatching the top of the car, the driver's greatness remains safely in the car. Checks by technicians from the dealer show that the electric car's core system, which consists of batteries, electric and motor controls, remains intact and functioning normally.

Experts explain that the safety of the driver in the car is thanks to a scientific phenomenon known as "A Faraday Cage Effect". As lightning strikes, the metal car body acts like a conductor, flowing the electric current from the strike point to the ground.

Because the electricity flows on the outer surface, the inside of the car becomes a safe area. Drivers and passengers in the car are protected because they are at the same electric potential as the car body, thus preventing electric shocks.

Even so, experts advise drivers not to get out of the car immediately after being struck by lightning. It is also necessary to immediately seek professional assistance to ensure no invisible damage.

For drivers trapped in thunderstorms, there are several safety measures that need to be followed:

Turn off all electronic devices in the car, including engines, audio systems, and radio.

Pull all car antennas inside and make sure the windows are tightly closed to create a completely closed space.

Stay in the car until the thunderstorms completely subside. It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the sound of the last thunder is heard before leaving.

This incident is a clear proof of the resistance of modern electric cars to extreme weather conditions, as well as an important reminder of how science can protect in dangerous situations. Interestingly, BYD Song Plus is the most exported car model from China in the first half of this year.