Tesla Fire Raises Concerns About Saltwater Risk for Electric Vehicles

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【Summary】Tesla owners in Florida have been warned about the risk of fires after Hurricane Idalia caused their vehicles to come into contact with saltwater. The Palm Harbor fire department issued a warning, stating that saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries. Tesla itself recommends moving the vehicle to higher ground if at risk of submersion. If exposure occurs, users are advised to treat the vehicle as though it has been in an accident and contact the insurance company.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 9:18 AM PT

Tesla Fire Raises Concerns About Saltwater Risk for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle owners in Florida are now on high alert after Hurricane Idalia caused saltwater to come into contact with their vehicles. The Palm Harbor fire department issued a warning to hybrid or electric vehicle owners to relocate their vehicles from their garages if they had been exposed to saltwater. This warning came after a Tesla car caught fire in Dunedin due to saltwater exposure. The department explained that saltwater can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to fires. They urged people to move their vehicles to higher ground if possible.

The warning also applied to golf carts and electric scooters, not just electric cars. The department advised individuals to avoid driving these vehicles through water to prevent damage. When electric vehicle batteries are damaged by saltwater, a chemical reaction called thermal runaway can occur, causing the cells to heat up and making them more susceptible to fires. Tampa fire rescue further explained this in a post.

Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, also provided recommendations for owners. They suggest moving the vehicle to a safe location or higher ground if there is a risk of submersion. If the vehicle has been exposed to saltwater, Tesla advises treating it as though it has been in an accident and contacting the insurance company. They also recommend not operating the vehicle until it has been inspected. In the event of a fire, smoke, audible popping/hissing, or heating coming from the vehicle, Tesla advises stepping away and immediately contacting local first responders.

It is important for electric vehicle owners in Florida to be aware of the potential risks associated with saltwater exposure after Hurricane Idalia. Taking precautions such as relocating vehicles to higher ground and following the recommendations provided by Tesla can help mitigate the risk of fires and other damage.

For more information on the future of mobility, you can follow this link to Benzinga's coverage.