Is This the Future of Car Indicators or a Safety Risk Waiting to Happen?
A Chinese electric car has gone viral online after revealing a feature that looks like it belongs in the future: a dedicated rear U-turn indicator.
In a short clip circulating on social media, the car flashes a large illuminated U-turn arrow on its rear—clearly signaling its intention to turn around. Some viewers are calling it a brilliant safety innovation, while others believe it could be confusing, distracting, or even dangerous in real-world traffic.
So the big question is: is this the future standard for all cars, or a feature that should never make it past the concept stage?
The EV Behind the Viral Moment
The vehicle in the video is believed to be the HiPhi Z, a futuristic electric sedan from Chinese automaker Human Horizons.
Alongside its normal indicators, the car displays a bold U-turn arrow on the rear panel, designed to make its next move unmistakably clear—especially useful in tight city traffic where U-turns often catch other drivers by surprise.
However, there’s a twist. The rear U-turn indicator appears unusually large, leading to speculation that it may be an aftermarket modification rather than a factory-installed feature. Still, the fit and finish look so clean that many believe it could be part of HiPhi’s advanced lighting system.
There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting the indicator can be activated by tapping the turn-signal stalk twice, though this hasn’t been officially verified.
Smart Safety Upgrade—or Visual Overkill?
The feature has sparked a fresh safety debate online.
Supporters argue that clearer communication between vehicles can only be a good thing. By removing guesswork, drivers behind can react earlier, reducing sudden braking and hesitation—particularly in busy urban areas.
Critics, on the other hand, say roads are already overloaded with lights, signs, and digital distractions. Introducing a new, non-standard signal could confuse, especially if drivers don’t immediately recognise the symbol as a U-turn indicator.
There’s also the reality that many accidents happen not because of unclear signals, but due to distraction, tailgating, or lack of attention—problems no amount of lighting can fully solve.
A Car That’s Designed to Stand Out
Controversial lighting aside, the HiPhi Z is anything but subtle. It packs a 662hp electric powertrain, rear-axle steering, and a claimed 0–60mph time of 3.8 seconds.
The EV also features advanced aerodynamics, an active grille shutter and spoiler, intelligent display panels, and programmable exterior lighting—reinforcing its reputation as one of the most futuristic production EVs on the road today.
Could This Become the New Standard?
As electric vehicles continue to push design boundaries, features like rear U-turn indicators raise an important question for the industry: Should innovation move faster than global road regulations?
Until such signals are standardised and universally understood, their real-world safety impact remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—this bold idea has people talking, and it may just be a glimpse into how cars communicate in the future.
