Tesla Fire Raises Concerns About Saltwater Risk for Electric Vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

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, urging them 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.

The fire department explained that saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric vehicles. They advised people to move their vehicles to higher ground, if possible, to avoid any potential risks. The warning also applied to golf carts and electric scooters, as these vehicles can also be affected by saltwater damage.

Tampa fire rescue further explained that when electric vehicle batteries are damaged by saltwater, a chemical reaction called thermal runaway occurs. This reaction causes the cells to heat up and makes them more prone to fires.

Tesla, the manufacturer of the car that caught fire, also provided recommendations for owners of their vehicles. They advised users to move their vehicles to a safe location or higher ground if there is a risk of submersion. In the event of exposure to saltwater, Tesla recommended treating the vehicle as though it has been in an accident and contacting the insurance company. They also advised against operating the vehicle until it has been inspected.

If any signs of fire, smoke, audible popping/hissing, or heating are noticed coming from the vehicle, Tesla emphasized the importance of stepping away and immediately contacting local first responders.

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

Photo by Hadrian on Shutterstock

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FutureCar Staff