A District Consumer Commission in Telangana has ordered Chinese electric vehicle maker Benling India and a dealer to jointly pay ₹10 lakh as compensation to a consumer after an e-scooter fire incident due to battery explosion.
Benling Scooter Catches Fire
In the case from February 2023, a Benling Aura e-scooter purchased by complainant in April 2021 met with a battery explosion and caught fire, destroying the vehicle completely. The incident spotlights the lingering safety issues around Li-ion batteries in EVs.
The consumer approached both manufacturer Benling India and the dealer, seeking a replacement vehicle or refund of original cost along with 18% annual interest. As he did not receive any response, he then filed a formal complaint claiming ₹13.5 lakh reparations.
Manufacturer Untraceable
Despite legal notices by Medak District Consumer Commission, neither Benling India nor dealer appeared for hearings or offered any explanation regarding battery explosion investigation.
The commission emphasized that it is the automaker’s responsibility to probe and address such battery defects pointing to critical safety lapses.
In light of the apathy displayed and harm caused to consumer, the judges ordered the manufacturer and dealer to jointly pay compensation of ₹10 lakh including litigation costs within 30 days failing which 9% additional penalty would apply.
The ruling has been hailed for strengthening protection and grievance redressal avenues available for EV owners in India. It sends a stern warning for manufacturers to proactively investigate and mitigate technical risks, unlike Benling’s evasive approach that endangered consumer safety in this case.
More consumer courts standing up for victims and holding automakers accountable also raises hope for transparency and due diligence by EV industry to win trust.
