In a significant decision, a consumer court in Hyderabad has ruled in favor of Jonathan Brainard, the owner of a Tata Nexon EV, and ordered Tata Motors to refund the full cost of the car, amounting to Rs 16.95 lakh. The court ruled that the fire, which erupted in Brainard’s car while he was driving, was due to a manufacturing defect.
Fire Incident Raises Concerns Over EV Safety
The case began in June 2023 when Brainard’s Tata Nexon EV caught fire while he was driving in Telangana. Brainard described that while driving at 38 kilometers per hour, a loud explosion occurred, and the car immediately caught fire. Luckily, he managed to escape through the driver’s door, but the other doors got jammed due to the fire.
This terrifying incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of electric vehicles, as more cases of EV fires have been reported recently.
Manufacturing Defects and Technical Issues Reported
Before the fire, Brainard had already faced several technical issues with his car, including rapid battery drainage and problems with the vehicle stopping when the battery charge dropped to 18%. These issues prompted him to visit the service center, where he was informed that the car’s HV battery had malfunctioned.
However, instead of receiving a new battery, an old refurbished battery was installed without his knowledge, further aggravating the situation. This was one of the main points of Brainard’s complaint against Tata Motors, alleging unfair trade practices.
Consumer Court’s Ruling: Full Refund and Compensation
After hearing the case, the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission concluded that the fire in the Nexon EV was indeed due to a manufacturing defect and that Tata Motors had failed to ensure the safety of its vehicle.
As a result, the court ordered Tata Motors to:
- Refund the full price of the vehicle, Rs 16.95 lakh.
- Pay Rs 2.5 lakh in compensation for mental stress and injuries suffered by Brainard.
- Cover Rs 10,000 in legal fees.
The court highlighted that Tata Motors had committed unfair trade practices by selling a defective vehicle and had endangered Brainard’s life. The court also noted that the incident could have resulted in a much more serious accident if Brainard’s family had been in the car.
Importance of Electric Vehicle Safety
The ruling serves as a wake-up call for electric vehicle manufacturers, emphasizing the importance of safety and reliability. With increasing incidents of EV fires, companies must prioritize ensuring their vehicles meet the highest safety standards. Customers should be able to trust that the EVs they purchase are safe and free of dangerous defects.
