Firefighters in Sacramento County had to use 4,500 gallons of water after a Tesla bursts into flames after the battery kept reigniting.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District (SMFD) issued a statement noting that they had never dealt with anything like this before: an electric car fire caused by severe damage to its battery.
“The vehicle was fully involved with fire on arrival, and took a significant amount of time, water, and thinking outside the box to extinguish,” according to the SMFD. “Crews knocked the fire down, but the car kept re-igniting and off-gassing in the battery compartment.”
Personnel at the wrecking yard helped the firefighters place the car on its side so they were able to reach the battery department. Even after getting access to the battery it kept reigniting due to "residual heat."
In order to completely extinguish the Tesla, the crew had to think outside the box. They placed the Tesla in a hole and filled it with water.
“The pit ultimately reduced the total amount of water needed, estimated at 4500 gallons, and limited the runoff of contaminated water,” according to the fire district. “The vehicle was fully extinguished, and no injuries were reported.”
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Are Teslas Safer Than Regular Cars?
So, are Teslas safer than regular cars? It's hard to say for sure. What we do know is that Teslas are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are known to be volatile. In addition, Tesla cars have been known to overheat, which can also lead to fires.
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that all cars have the potential to catch fire. If you're concerned about the safety of your Tesla, or any other car, be sure to follow all safety instructions and keep an eye out for any potential signs of trouble.
How Much Do Tesla Cars Cost?
Tesla cars can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $140,000. The exact price depends on the model and options that you choose. For example, the Tesla Model S starts at $35,000, but if you add extras or go to different models you can get up to $140,000.
If you're thinking about buying a Tesla, it's important to do your research and make sure that you can afford the car. In addition, be sure to factor in the cost of charging the car; depending on where you live, this can add several hundred dollars to your monthly expenses.
Where Are Teslas Made?
Tesla production relies on supply chains and manufacturers across the world, but where are U.S.-based Tesla cars made?
Tesla vehicles sold in the United States are largely made here as well. Tesla produces most of its vehicles at its Fremont, California, facility. It has also recently opened car and parts production plants around the U.S. and the world.
Teslas - Not as Safe As We Thought?
It's not quite time to draw a conclusion like that. That said, this was a very alarming incident.
In closing, it's important to remember that all cars have the potential to catch fire. If you're concerned about the safety of your Tesla, or any other car, be sure to follow all safety instructions and keep an eye out for any potential signs of trouble. Teslas are not immune to fires, but they are not more likely to catch fire than any other car.
If you're thinking about buying a Tesla, be sure to factor in the cost of charging the car; depending on where you live, this can add several hundred dollars to your monthly expenses. Lastly, keep in mind that Tesla production relies on supply chains and manufacturers across the world, but U.S.-based Tesla cars are largely made in the United States.