Tesla Model Y and Xiaomi SU7 show startlingly contrasting damage after terrible crash

Some photographs of a crash between a Tesla Model Y and Xiaomi SU7 have started circulating on social media, especially by some Tesla supporters who have been quick to point out how little damage the Model Y seems to have suffered in comparison with the wrecked SU7. The collision happened in a road tunnel in China, with three of the four photos (see below) coming from the crash site and one showing the Xiaomi SU7 later on in broad daylight.

It appears the SU7 was driven into the back of the Model Y, although it has not been reported why this occurred or what the fate of the vehicles’ occupants was. The Tesla Model Y shows some damage on the rear and the rear bumper, while the Xiaomi SU7’s front end is totaled. However, despite some comments from Tesla fans claiming this shows how safe the Model Y is and how poorly manufactured the Xiaomi electric vehicle is, this is not an accurate depiction.

The Xiaomi SU7 features an armored cage to protect its users, and like many cars, the front is a crumple zone: It is designed to collapse in a collision. This increases the amount of time it takes the vehicle to come to a halt and therefore reduces the force involved, helping protect the driver and any passengers. The Tesla Model Y is highly rated over multiple organizations for its overall safety, so the amount of damage to the rear shown in the images is to be expected. Hopefully, the safety features of both electric vehicles were enough to keep injuries to a minimum in this case.