China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Responds to Li Auto i8 Crash Test Controversy

On August 3, the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as China Automotive Research) released a statement regarding the response to the crash test video of the Li Auto i8, which generated significant discussion on online platforms. Some comments appeared to target China Automotive Research. In response, the institute disclosed details of the crash test. The test occurred on June 27, 2025, at the Sino-German Intelligent Connected Vehicle Test Base in Sichuan, focusing on the Li Auto i8 (VIN: HLX13B172S1200081). China Automotive Research emphasized that this test was solely to verify the safety of the Li Auto i8 and was not a standard car-to-car collision test, and it did not involve safety performance evaluations of other vehicle brands. The testing framework was developed based on typical traffic accident scenarios on common roads in China, executed by the testing team of China Automotive Research. To simulate a traffic accident, a used truck was randomly purchased from the market as a mobile barrier vehicle, selected solely based on its curb weight. Before the test, the team confirmed the sample vehicle, the Li Auto i8, and prepared the mobile barrier vehicle by disguising its exterior, installing an autonomous driving device, and weighting it to 8 tons. During the test, the collision speed of the Li Auto i8 was 60+2 km/h, while the mobile barrier vehicle approached at 40±2 km/h. After the test, the passenger cabin of the Li Auto i8 showed no significant deformation, airbags deployed normally, there were no leaks or fires from the battery pack, and the doors unlocked automatically with handles popping out. The mobile barrier vehicle remained structurally intact after the high-impact collision, with the driver’s cabin showing no significant deformation and doors opening normally. China Automotive Research stated that this summarized the simulation of the entire traffic accident scenario. As of the time of the statement, China Automotive Research had not released any test data, reports, or footage on any platform or medium, nor had it made any official response to the incident. The institute urged the industry, media, and public platforms to maintain objectivity and rationality, to jointly protect the industry ecosystem and ensure a clear online environment. Additionally, China Automotive Research reserves the right to pursue legal and reputational claims against platforms and individuals who maliciously misinterpret or mislead the dissemination of information.