An unusual episode involving the recharge of a hybrid vehicle viralized on social networks recently. A driver was caught connecting his BYD King to a post of public lighting in the Recreio dos Bandeirantes neighborhood, in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The scene generated controversy and expert warnings about the risks of practice.
In the video released, it is possible to see the vehicle parked on the public road with a improvised recharge caper connected directly to the base of the pole, characterizing the so -called “Cat” of energy. It is a clandestine connection to the power grid, without authorization. But beyond the clear disrespect, is there any risk to the car?
The model is a medium sedan Híbrido Plug-in (PHEV)available in two versions, GL and GS. In both cases there is an aspirated 1.5 engine associated with a 179 hp or 197 hp electric electric. Thus, the combined power is 209 hp in GL and 235 cv In GS. There is a difference in the battery. The input model has a unit of 8.3 kWh, while the top of the line has a 18,3 kWh.
According to, King can do 16.8 km/l in the city (combustion engine) and the equivalent of 44.2 km/l in electric mode, as well as a combined autonomy of 1,175 km. In a wallbox, the loading time It can be 2.5h, while in a 220V outlet can take more than eight hours.
But what about the cat, how is it? THE CNN questioned BYD about the risks of such a practice. A, of course, condemned the use of clandestine bonds. “In addition to being illegal, they are extremely dangerous. They can cause serious accidents and bring serious risks to public and private goods, “he said in a statement.
The opinion is shared with Clemente GauerDirector and Member of the Council of ABrazilian Electric Vehicle Ssociation (ABVE). “When a shot is improvised for a reloading station from an electric car, vulnerability does not live inside the vehicle, but in the cables and connections that make up the gambiarra. Subdimensive ends, loose terminals or travel adapters do not support 12-16 to continuous for hours: they can overheatgenerate electric arc and, in rare and extreme casesprovoke fire. If the damage reaches the vehicle, the automaker will hardly cover the repair, “he explains.
Gauer also questions whether in fact there was a car loading or it was just a staging. This is because they need a grounding installation to start recharge.
“Without seeing the complete circuit, it is impossible to say if there was real load or staging for clicks. Still, it is plausible that they used two phases of a 220/380 V network and one earth, resulting in typical tension. Regardless of the trick, Real risk rests on improvisation: cables exposed to rainwithout electrical safety devices, without correct gauge, ready to fail at the worst time. Not worth the risk“, warns.
BYD explains that this cat is a theft of energy and non -compliance with NBR 5410 and NBR 17019 technical standards, which deal with the rules for car recharge.
“The charger – be it portable, wallbox or DC – should be used in a dedicated electric infrastructure with the protections required by ABNT. Byd instructs its customers following the technical standards for the installation and use of porters – both domestic and public.”
According to Article 155 Brazilian Penal Codesubtracting electricity through clandestine connection is crime de theftwith a penalty of one to four years in prison, and a fine. In addition to illegality, such practice can cause short circuits, electric overload and fires.
