Rear U-turn indicator on Chinese EV goes viral and sparks safety debate
Published on Jan 22, 2026 at 10:34 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jan 22, 2026 at 7:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A short clip of a futuristic Chinese EV flashing a dedicated U-turn arrow light at its rear is doing the rounds on the internet again.
The indicator light looks like something straight out of a concept car, and it is getting people talking for two totally different reasons.
Some think it is a smart safety upgrade, while others reckon it could confuse drivers and add visual clutter in busy traffic.
This polarizing feature is pretty exciting, but not everyone is totally on board with it.
EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie
A strange rear U-turn indicator on a Chinese EV sparks debate
The EV in the viral video is believed to be the HiPhi Z from Chinese brand Human Horizons.
In the clip, the driver signals to turn, but alongside the usual indicators, a large U-turn arrow lights up on the back of the vehicle.
It’s a simple idea: make the car’s intention crystal clear to anyone following, especially in tight urban traffic where U-turns can be unpredictable.
There is a catch, though, the rear U-turn indicators in the video look unusually big, which has led to speculation that they could be an aftermarket add-on rather than a factory feature.
Still, the placement looks surprisingly well-installed, so it is easy to see why some viewers assume it is built in.
Online chatter has also suggested the driver might activate it by tapping the right-hand stalk twice, but that detail has not been confirmed.
Click the star icon next to supercarblondie.com in Google Search to stay ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest supercars, hypercars, and ground-breaking technology
This could be incredibly unsafe
That uncertainty is part of why the video has sparked a safety debate all over again.
Supporters argue that clearer signaling could reduce hesitation and last-second moves from surrounding drivers.
But critics point out that city roads are already filled with lights, signs, and distractions, and adding a new signal type could cause misinterpretation if it is not standardized; people might not realize it was a U-turn light.
Many accidents happen when vehicles are turning or crossing, and a flashy new signal does not automatically prevent rear-end incidents if the driver behind is not paying attention or is following too closely.
Either way, the HiPhi Z is not exactly shy about standing out, as it packs a 662hp electric powertrain and a claimed 0 to 60mph time of 3.8 seconds.
The new Chinese EV features rear axle steering, plus tech like a grille shutter, spoiler, an intelligent display screen, and programmable lighting up front.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
As a Content Writer since January 2025, Daisy’s focus is on writing stories on topics spanning the entirety of the website. As well as writing about EVs, the history of cars, tech, and celebrities, Daisy is always the first to pitch the seed of an idea to the audience editor team, who collab with her to transform it into a fully informative and engaging story.
