Tesla Model S erupts "like a flamethrower."

[Beetlegeuse]

Yah, sure, cars that run on dead dinosaurs catch fire too, but the difference is you can have a massive gasoline leak and still not harm anyone. But any leak from an 1800-amp battery would be lethal if you got in its way (an electric chair only runs 10-12 amps).

A Tesla Model S erupted ‘like a flamethrower.’ It renewed old safety concerns about the trailblazing sedans.

One firefighter told the driver he was lucky he got out when he did, after the car’s motorized door handles retracted



The combustion of Ahmad’s car is one of a growing number of fire incidents involving older Tesla Model S and X vehicles that experts say are related to the battery, raising questions about the safety and durability of electric vehicles as they age. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is evaluating the fire of Ahmad’s vehicle in Frisco, Tex., and has contacted Tesla over the matter, NHTSA spokesman Sean Rushton said this month. The agency opened an investigation last year into alleged battery defects that could cause fires in older Tesla sedans and SUVs.

Tesla did not respond .... (emphasis added)


Of course they didn't.


This video begs the question whether the firefighters even have a clue as to the risk of electrocution by step potential they're exposing themselves to by applying water to a burning Tesla?




Federal safety officials probe alleged Tesla battery defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking at Model S and X vehicles for model years 2012 through 2019.


And oh by the way, Scotsman Robert Anderson built a carriage powered by an electric motor more than 45 years before Karl Benz began selling the world's first production ICE-powered automobile. 180 years later and "electric cars" still aren't ready for prime time. So calling a Tesla "trailblazing" is a bit farcical.

[Test Monsterone]

Toyota is developing solid state batteries, that means no leaking. They are much safer and more efficient. These are the early days of electric vehicles and none of us can even imagine what is to come.

[The Deadlifting Dog]

you can have a massive gasoline leak and still not harm anyone.

But any leak from an 1800-amp battery would be lethal if you got in its way.

This video begs the question whether the firefighters even have a clue as to the risk of electrocution by step potential they're exposing themselves to by applying water to a burning Tesla?

just to clarify some things...


A massive gasoline leak can easily harm someone if it catches fire.

Tesla's don't have an 1800 amp battery.
They have very many small batteries.

Batteries don't leak electricity.
Batteries leak acid.

Firefighters wear rubber boots which would insulate them from electricity.
https://www.keepdryfeet.com/rubber-b...20electrocuted.

Firefighters are specifically trained to put out Tesla fires with water.
"According to training videos being disseminated among first responders, firefighters cannot put out a lithium-ion-battery fire with foam or dry chemicals. These fires cannot be fought with anything but 500 to 8,000 gallons of water and patience."
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-...0three%20years.

I do agree that Tesla needs to do a better job with the fire hazard.
Perhaps as TM said above... solid state batteries are the answer.

[AwareXx]

Yes toyota is much efficient and cost saving for me. They are safer too

[wango]

Well it was a 2015. Personally, if I was buying a product that’s kind of on the cutting edge, I wouldn’t count on its durability.

And Tesla is cutting edge and innovators. I know there are folks here that aren’t fans of electric cars and trucks, but it looks a lot like they are in our future. Tesla really got things going and deserve a nod of thanks imo. Think there would be a Hybrid Ford pickup truck if it weren’t for Tesla? The truck just got great reviews out here.

[Cuz]

My dinosaur powered Toyota hasnt caught fire yet...knock on wood.

[wango]

My dinosaur powered Toyota hasnt caught fire yet...knock on wood.

Same here. What still frightens me about buying a Tesla is the lack of dealerships with service/repair departments.

Tesla really got the ball rolling. But now as more and more other established brands (with service departments already in place) come out with electric cars, then I’ll take a more serious look. As it is, I only drive about 6K miles per year, so it’s not about savings, but performance.