Nexon EV Fire Case: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad recently ordered Tata Motors to refund Rs 16.95 lakh to one of its customers for selling him a defective Nexon electric vehicle (EV). The Commission found that the EV car sold to the complainant had a manufacturing defect which led to the car catching fire while running. The commission noted that the State Fire Service Department had stated the cause behind the car catching fire was due to its 'Electric origin'.
What Complainant Said?
Jonathan Brainard, the complainant brought the car home in May 2022 for Rs 16.95 lakh. Brainard said that following the purchase he started facing issues in the car and it would stop running on an 18% charge in the battery and would refuse to engage the normal drive mode. He further stated that he handed over the car to Tata Motors' authorized service center where it was found that the HV (High Voltage) battery pack of the car had depleted and needed to be replaced.
Brainard claimed that after a month, the service center replaced the HV battery pack but with a refurbished unit and not a new one, despite the car being in a warranty period. He said that On June 1, 2023, while driving at a low speed he heard a loud explosion from under the car due to which he lost control. In a panic situation, the car ended up hitting a motorcyclist on the road, and the car itself rammed into a tree.
Brainard then filed a complaint in the District Commission and claimed refund and compensation for the loss suffered by him.
What Tata Motors Said?
Tata Motors said no manufacturing defects were proven and that the fire may have been caused by external factors, such as the motorbike collision or low-voltage wiring issues.
What The Commission Ordered?
- The Commission ordered Tata Motors to refund Rs 16.95 Lakh (cost of the car).
- 9% interest to the complainant, from the date of filing the complaint.
- The Commission also ordered payment of Rs 2.5 Lakh for mental agony, physical trauma, and expenses related to a motorcyclist’s injuries caused in the accident.
- Tata Motors was also ordered to pay Rs 10,000 as the litigation cost to the complainant.
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