Tesla Catches Fire While Being Driven on Highway; “Thousands of gallons were used in extinguishment.”

By B.N. Frank

All electric vehicles (EV) are prone to fires that are difficult to extinguish (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) – not just Tesla’s. Nevertheless, Tesla fires seem to be getting the most attention, perhaps due to the company’s vehicles also having problematic self-driving (autonomous) features.

From Zero Hedge:

By Tyler Durden

President Biden’s green new world of more electric vehicles on US highways might result in increasing lithium fires — if that’s because of a crash or perhaps a “spontaneous” battery fire.

The latest incident occurred on Saturday when a Model S “spontaneously” burst into flames on a California freeway.

On Saturday, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District tweeted footage of a Tesla Model S engulfed in flames.

Crews arrived to a Tesla Model S engulfed in flames, nothing unusual prior. 2 Fire Engines, a water tender, and a ladder truck were requested to assist. Crews used jacks to access the underside to extinguish and cool the battery. Thousands of gallons were used in extinguishment. pic.twitter.com/5dIXxo9hP5

— Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) January 29, 2023

“The fire was extinguished with approx 6,000 gallons of water, as the battery cells continued to combust,” the fire department said.

The vehicle battery compartment spontaneously caught fire while it was traveling freeway speeds on EB Hwy 50. The fire was extinguished with approx 6,000 gallons of water, as the battery cells continued to combust. Thankfully no injuries were reported. pic.twitter.com/PRmlWzQdXS

— Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) January 29, 2023

Several years ago, we pointed out one Tesla fire took at least 20 tons of water to extinguish. For some context, it only takes 3 tons of water to put out a gasoline car fire.

Traditional fire extinguishers, such as foam and water, are ineffective at extinguishing lithium fires. A class-D dry powder extinguisher is certified for combating battery fires, though many fire departments across the country are not prepared to fight battery fires.

Tesla states in a firefighting manual that “large amounts of water” are needed to extinguish a car battery fire. It even said these fires could last as long as 24 hours.

Someone might need to explain to Biden and his administration that the shift to EVs isn’t as “ESG-friendly” as it’s perceived to be.

Of course, in addition to fires, there are numerous other issues associated with all EVs including:

EVs have cybersecurity risks
Charging EVs threatens power grids (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) and medical implants
Oversized EVs create increased road safety risks
Mining for EV battery ingredients IS NOT eco-friendly (see 1, 2, 3, 4)
EV batteries are difficult and expensive to recycle (see 1, 2)
EVs emit high levels of biologically and environmentally harmful electromagnetic and wireless radiation (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Also worth considering before investing in an EV

EVs are expensive to buy and maintain
Cold weather reduces battery performance

Nevertheless, EVs still have many proponents including the Biden Administration which continues to fund their manufacturing, maintenance, and operation while promoting EVs as eco-friendly. Maybe someday they will be but not today.