Tesla Fire Raises Concerns Over Saltwater Risks for Electric Vehicles

author: FutureCar Staff    

Electric vehicle owners in Florida are now on high alert after Hurricane Idalia caused their vehicles to come into contact with saltwater. The Palm Harbor fire department issued a warning to hybrid or electric vehicle owners to move their vehicles out of their garages if they were 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 urged people to relocate their vehicles to higher ground if possible. The warning also applied to golf carts and electric scooters, and the department advised against driving these vehicles through water.

When electric vehicle batteries are damaged by saltwater, a chemical reaction called thermal runaway can occur. This causes the cells to heat up and increases the risk of fires, as explained by Tampa fire rescue in a post.

Tesla, the manufacturer of the electric car that caught fire, has its own recommendations for owners. They advise users to move their vehicle to a location that is not at risk or to higher ground if there is a risk of submersion. In the event of exposure to saltwater, Tesla recommends treating the vehicle as if it has been in an accident and contacting the insurance company. They also advise against operating the vehicle until it has been inspected.

If owners notice any signs of fire, smoke, audible popping/hissing, or heating coming from their vehicle, Tesla advises them to step away and immediately contact local first responders.

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

Photo by Hadrian on Shutterstock

Read Next: Ford's Costly Recall: Automaker Allocates $270M For Rearview Camera Fixes After Its Vehicles Hit Snag

FutureCar Staff