A major fire tore through a storage compound at Southampton docks in the early hours of Wednesday, destroying more than 30 Chinese-made electric vehicles and sending thick black smoke across the port skyline.
The incident involved 33 Jaecoo EVs, which authorities believe had already been purchased by customers but were still being held under the care of National Vehicle Distribution (NVD).
Firefighters were called to the scene at around 4:20am after reports of explosions and rapidly spreading flames.
The blaze was brought under control within about an hour, but not before significant damage was done to the vehicles.
Sold Cars Still in Storage When Fire Broke Out
According to a representative for Jaecoo UK, the destroyed vehicles had already been sold to customers prior to the incident.
However, they had not yet been delivered and were being stored at the docks under logistics management.
The affected models are believed to be Jaecoo E5 electric SUVs, part of a growing line of Chinese-made vehicles gaining traction in the UK market.
The total value of the destroyed cars is estimated at more than £900,000, based on a starting price of £27,505 per vehicle.
The burnt-out vehicles remain at the site, still surrounded by security cordons while arrangements are made for their removal.
Explosions Reported as Fire Guts Port Compound
Eyewitnesses living near the docks described hearing loud bangs and seeing thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky as the fire intensified.
Jacek Majchrzak, a 44-year-old food technician who lives nearby, said he initially dismissed the sounds before realizing something serious was happening.
“I got up at about 5am and heard some sounds like ‘boom, boom’,” he said.
“I ignored it at first, but when I went outside I saw the smoke. It was thick black smoke and I could hear small explosions. I thought it was rubbish disposal or something at first.”
Fire crews later confirmed they were responding to reports of explosions linked to the burning vehicles.
Investigation Launched as Authorities Secure Docks
The site, owned by Associated British Ports, was quickly secured following the incident, with security personnel directing reporters away from the affected area while emergency services worked to contain the situation.
A spokesperson for Jaecoo UK said the company was informed of the fire shortly after it broke out at around 4am and confirmed it had been brought under control within an hour.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze is now underway.
Southampton remains a key logistics hub for vehicle imports, making the scale of the incident particularly significant for supply chains and distribution operations.
Growing Scrutiny on Fast-Rising EV Brand
The incident comes at a time when Jaecoo has been rapidly expanding its presence in the UK automotive market.
Its Jaecoo 7 model has been one of the standout performers of the year, with strong sales growth and rising consumer interest.
According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the Jaecoo 7 was among the UK’s best-selling new cars in recent months, with around 10,000 registrations in March alone, outpacing established models such as the Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai.
Nicknamed the “Temu Range Rover” due to its styling resemblance to premium SUVs at a lower price point, the vehicle has helped push Jaecoo into the spotlight, with more than 26,000 units sold in 2025 alone.
Fire Leaves Questions Over Logistics and Delivery Delays
While the immediate focus remains on the investigation and clearing of the destroyed vehicles, the incident raises broader questions about storage practices for high-value electric vehicles awaiting delivery.
For now, the charred remains of the 33 SUVs sit at the dockside, a stark reminder of how quickly a routine logistics operation can turn into a multimillion-pound loss.
