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This article is awaiting translation into English.
Požiar elektromobilu počas nabíjania v Oberndorfe pri Salzburgu
16.11.2025
AT
Unknown
305
Mercedes-Benz EQA 2021-2024
Water / Foam / Container
Dňa 16. novembra 2025 o 9:12 bol nahlásený požiar elektromobilu na parkovisku pri predajni Hofer v meste Oberndorf pri Salzburgu, Rakúsko. Vozidlo bolo pripojené k 150 kW rýchlonabíjacej stanici a počas prebiehajúceho nabíjania došlo k vzniku požiaru v zadnej časti vozidla. Po príchode hasičských jednotiek sa elektromobil nachádzal v plne rozvinutom štádiu požiaru. Zasahujúce tímy okamžite zahájili hasenie dvomi C prúdmi a vysokotlakovým prúdom. Po približne 25 minútach sa podarilo požiar lokalizovať, avšak vozidlo sa opakovane vznietilo, pričom zdroj opätovného horenia bol identifikovaný v oblasti trakčnej batérie. Na zamedzenie ďalšieho šírenia horenia bol nasadený aj hasiaci prostriedok na báze peny a otvorená predná kapota s cieľom zlepšiť prístup k aktívnym ohniskám. Následne bola vykonaná deaktivácia nabíjacej infraštruktúry, odpojenie nabíjacieho kábla a odpojenie vysokonapäťových systémov vozidla. Na zásahu pracovali štyri tímy s dýchacou technikou. Intenzívna tvorba dymu si vyžiadala uzatvorenie priľahlej komunikácie a vydanie varovania obyvateľom v blízkosti incidentu so žiadosťou o uzatvorenie okien a minimalizáciu vetrania. Po približne 90 minútach nepretržitého hasenia a chladenia bol elektromobil pomocou žeriavovej techniky uložený do špeciálneho karanténneho kontajnera s vodou, určeného na stabilizáciu a tepelnú kontrolu vysokonapäťových batériových systémov po požiari. Na zásahu sa okrem hasičov zúčastnili aj policajné zložky so štyrmi vozidlami a ôsmimi príslušníkmi vrátane okresného vyšetrovateľa požiarov, zástupca spoločnosti Salzburg Netz GmbH, posádka Červeného kríža a odťahová služba zabezpečujúca vysokonapäťový karanténny kontajner. Dobrovoľný hasičský zbor Oberndorf zasahoval s technikou Kommando, Tank, Rüstlösch, Leiter, Bus, Last 1 a Pumpe Oberndorf, pričom na mieste zasahovalo celkovo 38 členov. evft pohľad Na tieto vozidlá bola vyhlasená zvolavacia akcia [6], ktorá identifikuje problém vo vysokonapäťovej batérií. Nie je známe, či táto zvolavacia akcia sa týkala aj tohto vozidla. Podobný incidenty je aj incident s čislom 225 [7], ktorý sa udial s tým rozdielom, že sa vozidlo nenabíjalo.
Nighttime fire involving a plug-in hybrid in the village of Dlhé Pole
13.08.2025
SK
Unknown
272
Unknown PHEV
Water / Container
On the night of August 13th, a fire involving a plug-in hybrid vehicle was recorded in the village of Dlhé Pole in the district of Žilina (Slovakia). The event was reported to the fire department’s regional headquarters operational center shortly before 2:00 AM. The vehicle was parked in front of a family home, and flames also affected part of the facade. Žilina firefighters were dispatched to the scene, working with self-contained breathing apparatus and using one high-pressure water jet to extinguish the fire. After the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was transported in a special container designated for the safe storage of electric vehicles after a fire. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. A fire investigator arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Estimated direct damage reached approximately 80,000 euros, and timely intervention managed to protect property worth more than 300,000 euros. No injuries occurred during the event. The exact model of the vehicle is currently unknown. This incident will be updated upon obtaining new verified information.
Tesla fire with re-ignition in Jacobstown, New Jersey
04.08.2025
US
Unknown
269
Tesla Model X
Water / Container
On August 4th, 2025, shortly before 1:00 PM, units from the Jacobstown Volunteer Fire Company responded to a vehicle fire parked on Georgetown Road in the town of Jacobstown, New Jersey (USA). According to available information, it involved a Tesla electric vehicle that had been parked for over two years without being charged. The fire company commander was informed during transit that it was an electric vehicle fire, and therefore requested additional assistance. Upon arrival at the scene, responding units extinguished the fire, and it was not confirmed whether the vehicle's battery pack had been affected. After extinguishing the fire, the electric vehicle was transported to a secured location. Approximately 27 hours after the initial incident, fire units were again called to a fire at the location where the Tesla had been towed. This time, a battery fire was confirmed. After an initial reduction in flame intensity, firefighters allowed the battery pack to burn itself out. The vehicle was subsequently overturned, placed in a large-capacity container, and covered with wet sand to minimize the risk of reignition. In addition to Jacobstown VFC, the response also involved Westampton Fire Dept, Medford Fire Dept, Chesterfield Fire Dept, Wrightstown VFC, Cookstown VFC, JBMDL Fire, New Egypt Fire Co and Hope Fire Co. According to available information, no injuries were reported in the incidents. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been released and is under investigation. evft perspective According to available information, the Tesla vehicle had been parked for over two years without being charged. Leaving a battery at a low state of charge (SOC) for a prolonged period can lead to electrolyte degradation and separator damage, significantly increasing the risk of internal short circuits and subsequent fire. The first fire was not officially confirmed as a battery fire. Therefore, it is not clear whether it was caused by the battery, mechanical damage, or another factor – these circumstances will only be clarified by the investigation. However, 27 hours after being moved to a new location, a battery fire was clearly present. It is possible that the first incident caused partial damage to cells or modules. Since the SOC had been low for a long time, thermal runaway likely progressed slowly and reached full development several hours after the initial damage.
Tesla fire after collision with a pole in Texas
03.08.2025
US
Traffic accident
271
Tesla Unknown
Water / Fire blanket
On August 3rd, 2025, during the evening hours, a serious traffic accident occurred at the intersection of Sawdust Road and Woodland Field Crossing in the city of The Woodlands, Texas (USA). According to available information, a Tesla collided with a traffic pole, after which the vehicle immediately burst into flames. During the drive, the driver reportedly lost consciousness and only regained awareness after finding himself outside the vehicle. A witness present at the scene, who saw the accident, pulled him from the burning vehicle and moved him to safety before the arrival of emergency services. A fire crew from The Woodlands Fire Department (Engine 103) was dispatched to the scene, supported by Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department and paramedics from Montgomery County Hospital District. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. After identifying it as a Tesla electric vehicle, they determined that the battery pack was in a state of thermal runaway. Firefighters quickly extinguished the main flames and deployed a special fire blanket designed for electric vehicles to reduce the risk of reignition. Simultaneously, the vehicle was continuously cooled with an unmanned water stream for approximately two hours, until the battery temperature stabilized. Shortly before midnight, the vehicle was loaded and removed from the scene. The driver, a man around 40 years old, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. His condition was listed as critical. In addition to the fire departments, the police from Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety were also involved in the response, investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Electric vehicle fire at a campsite near Moretonhampstead
29.07.2025
GB
External
261
Volkswagen ID.3
Water
On July 29, 2025, a fire broke out involving an electric vehicle at a campsite near Moretonhampstead (Dartmoor, Devon, United Kingdom). Units from the fire stations of Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival of the firefighters, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, and the fire had also spread to a nearby tent. Firefighters operated wearing breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet, a safety jet, a ground monitor, and a thermal imaging camera to locate and subsequently extinguish the fire. Despite the deployment of equipment and a rapid response, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and the tent was also damaged. The fire burned a portion of the grassy area around the incident site. After completing the extinguishing operation, the responding teams had to undergo a decontamination process to minimize the risk of transferring hazardous substances back to the station or into their homes. No injuries were reported during the incident. Witnesses stated the vehicle had foreign (Dutch) registration, but official confirmation of this information is lacking. evft perspective The exact model of the vehicle and the cause of the fire have not been officially confirmed. According to one eyewitness[5], it was a VW ID.3 and the source of the fire was an external power bank stored in the center console, which ignited and subsequently caused the fire to spread to the entire vehicle. However, this information has not yet been verified, and the incident will be updated if new facts emerge.
Fire of a Chevrolet Equinox EV on a highway in Boston
11.07.2025
US
Traffic accident
268
Chevrolet Equinox EV
Water / Foam / Powder extinguisher
On Friday, July 11th, 2025, shortly after 7:00 AM, a fire occurred involving an electric Chevrolet Equinox EV on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) near mile marker 133 westbound (Boston, USA). According to the driver, who was transporting his 90-year-old father to a medical appointment, the fire was preceded by a collision with an object on the roadway. State Police reported that several vehicles had been impacted by metal debris on the road in the same section. Shortly after the impact, the driver noticed smoke and subsequently flames. Both the driver and his father were briefly trapped in the car due to heavy traffic, resulting in minor burns to the driver’s leg. However, both were able to safely exit the vehicle before it was completely engulfed in flames. A State Police patrol was the first to arrive at the scene. One of the officers used a standard fire extinguisher before the arrival of firefighters to prevent the fire from spreading. According to the driver, he did so at personal risk. Upon the arrival of the Boston Fire Department units, the scene was secured. Foam was used to extinguish the fire, and the battery was subsequently cooled with water, with the situation further monitored to prevent reignition. Due to the intervention, the westbound section of Mass Pike was completely closed, causing extensive traffic delays on adjacent routes as well. Traffic was restored approximately at 9:20 AM, after approximately two hours. According to available information, no serious injuries were reported. The official cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Electric vehicle fire on the R1 highway near Trnava
09.07.2025
SK
Unknown
259
Kia Soul EV
Water / Container
On the R1 highway in the direction of Trnava, a fire broke out in an electric vehicle, a Kia Soul, during the afternoon hours. Smoke from the vehicle while driving was reported to the emergency line, but by the time fire units from Trnava and Galanta arrived, the entire vehicle was already in flames. Localization and liquidation of the fire took approximately one and a half hours. After extinguishing it, firefighters monitored the vehicle with a thermal camera, and no increased thermal values were recorded. The traction battery was disconnected using an interior disconnect, and the car was subsequently taken away by a towing service. On the same day, at 8:17 PM, smoke was again reported from the vehicle from a parking lot. Responding units were dispatched to the scene again, supplemented by a technical vehicle with a container intended for storing electric vehicles after a fire. The vehicle was cooled, consuming 200 liters of water, and then placed in a quarantined container that was not flooded with water. evft perspective According to available video footage, the fire appears to have started in the interior, in the area of the rear seats, and subsequently spread to the rest of the interior. The footage suggests that the traction battery was not directly hit by the fire, however, this cannot be confirmed with certainty, as smoke began to emanate from the vehicle again in the evening hours. The exact cause of the incident is currently under investigation, and the Fire and Rescue Service issued a preliminary statement, according to which it was a operational-technical failure on the vehicle.
A drunk driver of an electric vehicle caused an accident and a fire involving three cars
25.05.2025
SK
Traffic accident
255
Tesla Model 3
Foam / Container
In the village of Veľký Biel (Senec district, Slovakia), a serious traffic accident occurred in the early hours of March 25, 2025, causing a fire involving three cars. According to available information, the accident was caused by a 45-year-old driver of a Tesla electric vehicle, who collided with two parked cars (a Peugeot and a Daewoo), as well as a public lighting pole. As a result of the impact, a fire broke out, engulfing all the vehicles.[2] Units of the Fire and Rescue Service from fire stations in Senec, Pezinok, Dúbravka, and Radlinského intervened at the scene of the accident. Several volunteer fire brigades from Bratislava and the village of Blatné also collaborated. Firefighters extinguished the fire and the damaged electric vehicle was loaded into a special container designed for storing electric vehicles after a fire.[1] The scene of the incident was subsequently secured, including the removal of leaked fluids from the roadway. The injured driver received immediate medical assistance at the scene. Before being transported to the hospital, he underwent a breathalyzer test, which measured a value of 0.47 mg/l of alcohol in his breath, corresponding to almost one per mille. evft perspective Official sources do not state the exact model of the electric vehicle involved, but based on available photographs, we believe it may have been a Tesla Model S. It is also not confirmed whether the fire affected the traction battery. However, given the extent of the damage and the duration of the burning, this possibility appears very likely. We also believe that the extensive damage at the scene of the incident suggests that the driver was traveling at high speed at the time of the accident. The exact circumstances and causes of the incident are currently the subject of investigation by the Senec traffic police.[2]
Fire of an electric vehicle during charging
21.05.2025
US
Unknown
256
Volkswagen ID.4
Water
On May 21st, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, a fire broke out on Vista View Drive in the city of Kaysville, state of Utah, USA. An electric vehicle parked in the driveway and a portion of a family home were on fire. Upon the arrival of firefighters, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames, as was a section of the building. Intervention was swift, and the fire was brought under control by 3:35 PM. Damage was primarily to the vehicle itself and the attic of the house. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. According to a preliminary investigation, the source of the fire was the electric vehicle, which was charging at the time. The fire subsequently spread to the house. The investigation is ongoing.
Fire in a terraced garage in Košice
07.05.2025
SK
External
253
Kia Soul EV
Water
In the early hours of the morning, a fire broke out in a row garage on Raketová Street in Košice. An electric vehicle, a Kia Soul EV, was also located within its premises at the time. 11 firefighters with six pieces of equipment were deployed to the scene, including a special robot, Colossus. This robot helped to remove the electric vehicle from the burning space and contributed to a more efficient and faster intervention. Due to the dense smoke and intense burning, firefighters had to use self-contained breathing apparatus. A total of 5,000 liters of water were used. The vehicle suffered damage primarily due to radiant heat, especially on the driver's side and in the rear. Smoke also damaged adjacent garage spaces. The preliminary damage estimate was calculated at 25,000 euros. An oxygen device was also located in the garage at the time of the incident. The investigation revealed that a short circuit in its battery was the cause of the fire. The event occurred without any injuries.
Electric vehicle fire in a Google parking lot
01.05.2025
US
Other (non-battery)
251
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Foam
On Thursday, May 1st, 2025, a fire broke out in the parking lot of the Google campus in Mountain View. The incident occurred while a Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicle was charging, and it ignited. The fire subsequently spread to three surrounding vehicles – two Teslas and one Honda. Firefighters were called to the scene at 4:53 PM and arrived six minutes later. Thanks to their rapid intervention, they were able to effectively extinguish the flames and prevent them from spreading to other vehicles. The fire was extinguished without any injuries. According to the Mountain View Fire Department, the origin of the fire was identified as the Jeep Wrangler vehicle, and the cause was a malfunction in the lithium-ion battery charging system. The total amount of damage, including the four damaged vehicles and the electric charging station, was estimated at $275,000 US dollars[1]. evft perspective We have recorded several fires involving Jeep Wrangler 4xe vehicles in the past. The last known incident occurred on April 14th, 2025, in the city of Waltham, where a similar self-ignition of this type of vehicle occurred during charging[4]. Furthermore, at the end of last year, a recall was issued for Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2020 to 2024. These vehicles have a risk of fire due to an internal failure of the high-voltage battery. The manufacturer therefore recommended that the vehicles not be charged or parked near buildings temporarily until a software update or battery replacement is performed[5].
Fire of an Audi Q4 e-tron electric vehicle in a parking lot
24.04.2025
PL
Unknown
242
Audi Q4 e-tron
Water
On April 24th, 2025, at approximately 3:50 AM, a fire occurred involving an Audi Q4 e-tron electric vehicle. The incident took place in a parking lot near a residential complex in the Polish city of Jaworzno. Three fire units from the City Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Jaworzno (JRG Jaworzno) were dispatched to the scene. Several vehicles parked nearby were damaged by radiant heat despite the firefighters’ rapid response. The operation lasted until 7:09 AM, when the fire was completely extinguished. No injuries were reported during the incident. evft perspective Based on a photograph from the scene, it is clear that the rear of the vehicle was most affected. The traction battery, located in the floor of the vehicle, does not appear to have been directly affected by the fire. If it had been burning, a much more extensive fire and greater damage to the central part of the vehicle would likely have occurred. Foul play cannot be ruled out. In the past, we have recorded several incidents where a fire broke out in the rear of an electric vehicle and subsequent investigations confirmed that it was arson. The exact cause of this incident is currently being investigated by the police.
Fire involving a parked Jeep Wrangler 4xe
14.04.2025
US
Unknown
252
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Water
In the city of Waltham in the state of Massachusetts, a fire occurred involving a Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid vehicle parked in a public outdoor parking lot. The available video footage shows that at the time of extinguishing, the interior of the vehicle was filled with smoke and flames were emerging primarily from the rear underside, where the high-voltage lithium-ion battery is located. Firefighters brought the flames under control and subsequently continued to cool the battery to prevent reignition. Information regarding the vehicle’s charging status at the time of the incident is not available. It is also unclear whether this specific vehicle was subject to the recall issued in September 2024 for Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models from 2020 to 2024, and whether the appropriate repairs had been performed [5]. According to manufacturer Stellantis, the cause of fires in Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid vehicles may be defects in the battery cells, specifically damaged separators. These defects can cause a short circuit and subsequent overheating, leading to a risk of fire. These incidents can occur even when the vehicle is parked and turned off [6].
Fire of a Tesla Model S in the underground garage of an apartment building in Bratislava
12.04.2025
SK
Vandalism
241
Tesla Model S
Water / Sprinkler
On April 12, 2025, in the early hours of the morning, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S vehicle parked on the -2nd floor of the underground garage of a more than 20-story apartment building in Petržalka, Bratislava, Slovakia. The fire was reported via the electrical fire alarm system (EFAS) before 5:00 AM. Thanks to the activation of a fixed fire extinguishing system (FFES), which partially localized the fire, and the rapid intervention of firefighters, it was possible to prevent its spread to other vehicles. Residents of the apartment building were evacuated in a timely manner. As a result of the fire, the heat and smoke exhaust system (HSE) was also activated, but it was insufficient to completely remove the smoke due to the heavy smoke. Smoke began to spread to higher floors, but did not appear in common escape routes or apartments. 30 members of the Fire and Rescue Service participated in the extinguishing efforts, using 1x C jet and consuming approximately 1,000 liters of water. The fire originated in the front of the vehicle, and the traction battery was not affected. The vehicle was not in charging mode. Firefighters subsequently inspected the electric vehicle and ventilated the area; the vehicle was not placed in a quarantine container. Approximately 20 cm of water remained in the garage after the intervention, the elevators in the building temporarily malfunctioned, and the supply of gas, hot water, and heating was interrupted throughout the building. One of the adjacent cars was partially damaged by the fire. The intervention was complicated by the presence of residents who were trying to enter the garage and move their vehicles despite repeated requests not to. Firefighters subsequently had to physically guard the entrances to the garage. No injuries were reported during the incident. The police are investigating the case, but the cause of the fire is currently unknown. We will continue to monitor the incident and update it once new information is released. evft perspective The exact cause of the fire is not yet confirmed. However, based on the available facts, we can state several important observations: – the fire broke out exclusively in the front of the vehicle, – the battery module located in the floor of the vehicle was not affected, – the vehicle was not charging at the time of the incident, – the fire was extinguished in a relatively short time thanks to the FFES and the rapid intervention of firefighters. These facts may suggest that the cause of the fire was not related to a battery failure and the possibility of arson cannot be ruled out. However, we will wait for the results of the investigation and the official statement of the responding authorities.
Fire of a Volvo XC90 hybrid vehicle near the city of Ojai, California
25.01.2025
US
Battery
240
Volvo XC90
-
On January 25th, 2025, in the early morning hours, a fire broke out in a Volvo XC90 hybrid vehicle on Ventura Avenue near the city of Ojai in California, USA. The incident required the evacuation of several households and the closure of roads in the surrounding area. The fire started at 9:29 am when a thermal runaway event occurred in the vehicle's battery for unknown reasons. Firefighters from the Ventura County Fire Department arrived on the scene, assessed the situation, and decided against direct firefighting intervention. Instead, they focused on protecting the surrounding area and monitoring as the battery burned itself out. Due to dense and toxic smoke, residents on the south side of Cruzero Street were ordered to evacuate, while those on the north side of Orchard Drive were advised to shelter in place. Roads in the vicinity, including a portion of Ventura Avenue, were temporarily closed. Around 1:30 pm, the smoke subsided and evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings. However, firefighters continued to monitor the fire using drones equipped with infrared sensors, which detected residual heat on the vehicle reaching up to 750 °F (approximately 400 °C). Shelter-in-place orders and road closures were lifted in the evening at 8:45 pm. After the fire was completely extinguished, the vehicle was removed from the scene. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Fire of a Jeep Cherokee 4XE hybrid vehicle in the city of Wayland
12.01.2025
US
Unknown
238
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Water
On January 12th, 2025 at 5:32 PM, a fire was reported in the garage of a home on Sherman Bridge Road in Wayland, Massachusetts. The fire erupted after a Jeep Cherokee 4XE hybrid vehicle began to smoke heavily and subsequently ignited while connected to a charging station. The homeowner, who was in the garage at the time, reacted immediately and called the fire department. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle engulfed in flames. To prevent further spread of the fire, they used one of their vehicles to pull the burning SUV out of the garage, thus preventing more serious damage to the house. Nevertheless, some siding on the building was damaged. The Jeep Cherokee 4XE model was subject to a manufacturer recall in October 2024, warning of a risk of fire, even without the vehicle being plugged in. However, it is unclear whether the owners were aware of this recall. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Garage fire with two electric vehicles in North Attleboro, Massachusetts
12.01.2025
US
Unknown
239
Unknown BEV
Unknown PHEV
Water
On January 12th, 2025 at 00:30 a fire broke out in the garage of a home on John C. Porter Way in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The fire engulfed the garage of a family home where two electric vehicles were parked and subsequently spread to the main building. Firefighters from the North Attleboro Fire Department arrived to face an intense fire in a two-car garage attached to a two-story house. The situation was complicated by solar panels on the roof, which hindered firefighting efforts. After a second alarm* was sounded, assistance was called in from fire departments in Plainville, Attleboro, Mansfield and Cumberland, Rhode Island. The fire was brought under control by 5:30 am, with emergency responders managing to prevent the complete destruction of the house. Both electric vehicles were destroyed by the fire. One resident of the home was examined for smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization. The house was deemed uninhabitable and its residents received assistance from neighbors and the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but it is suspected to be related to an electric vehicle or charging station in the garage. An investigation at the scene is being led by local and state authorities, including the State Fire Marshal's Office. *Second alarm (second alarm) - a designation of the severity level of an incident. The situation exceeds the capacity of the local fire department and additional reinforcements or resources from surrounding areas need to be called in.
Tesla Model X fire in front of a restaurant in Scotland
04.01.2025
GB
Other (non-battery)
236
Tesla Model X 2017
Water
On January 4th, 2025, a fire occurred involving a Tesla Model X P90D parked in front of a local restaurant. The fire broke out approximately 40 minutes after the vehicle owner parked. The vehicle had recently undergone repairs to the air suspension, during which the air compressor was replaced. According to the owner, this new compressor caused the fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene shortly after the report and quickly extinguished the fire. However, the fire caused extensive damage, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident. The owner stated that his Model X had previously experienced repeated issues with the air suspension and other components, including electrical systems, requiring several costly repairs. Tesla performed the air compressor repair just five weeks before the fire. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, and the investigation is ongoing. However, the owner attributes the blame to the newly installed compressor, which was likely defective.
Explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas
01.01.2025
US
Vandalism
232
Tesla Cybertruck 2024
Water / Fire blanket
On January 3rd, 2024, an explosion occurred involving an electric Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The incident happened at 8:40 am when the vehicle stopped at the valet parking area. The vehicle had been stationary for only about 15 to 20 seconds when smoke began emanating from its interior, followed by a powerful explosion. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was killed in the incident. Seven other individuals sustained injuries – two were transported to the hospital, while the remaining five received treatment at the scene. Firefighters from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue arrived at the scene within four minutes of the incident being reported and extinguished the fire using the hotel's built-in sprinkler system and a specialized fire blanket designed for electric vehicles. The area was evacuated during the response, and hotel guests were relocated to the nearby Resorts World. The investigation revealed that a large quantity of fireworks, gasoline canisters, and camping fuel tanks connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver were located in the rear of the vehicle. Tesla confirmed that the explosion was not related to the vehicle's battery module, which showed no malfunctions or abnormal behavior. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the FBI in collaboration with the Las Vegas Sheriff's Office and local fire departments. Although initially classified as a potential terrorist attack, investigators currently consider the incident an isolated case, with no immediate threat to the community. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and has directed the provision of federal support. Additional evidence obtained from the victim's phone suggests that the act was motivated by frustration with the current state of the country and mental health issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder. Tesla is actively cooperating with investigative authorities and has provided vehicle telemetry data for further analysis. Authorities are currently focusing on a detailed analysis of the perpetrator's motivations and assessing potential safety measures that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Fire involving a Tesla Cybertruck in the parking lot of a Tesla dealership in Georgia
31.12.2024
US
Unknown
237
Tesla Cybertruck
Water
In the early morning hours of December 31st, 2024, a fire broke out in a Tesla Cybertruck parked in the lot outside a Tesla dealership on Church Street in Decatur, Georgia, USA. The fire was reported shortly before 3:00 am. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. They extinguished the blaze using standard procedures, managing to control it in a relatively short amount of time. The flames caused extensive damage to the vehicle's interior, cargo area, and melted the rear tires. According to local firefighters, a malfunctioning battery module is the likely cause of the fire, but the exact circumstances are still under investigation. This incident is related to broader issues of battery defects in the Tesla Cybertruck model, which have led to a recall campaign by the manufacturer since September 2024. This recall warns of the risk of damage to battery cells that could lead to a fire. However, a connection between this specific case and the recall has not been confirmed. No injuries were reported during the incident. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
Flames engulfed a KIA EV6 electric vehicle
22.12.2024
PL
Unknown
243
Kia EV6
Water
In Poland, on a local road near the villages of Zabiełłów and Kuźnica, a fire occurred involving a Kia EV6 electric vehicle. The incident took place on December 22nd, 2024, at approximately 7:20 PM. Upon the arrival of firefighters, the vehicle was already completely engulfed in flames, and despite a rapid response, it could not be saved. The traction battery was also burning, and cooling its cells took several hours. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is being investigated by the police. evft perspective According to the driver's testimony, he smelled smoke while driving, so he stopped on the shoulder and exited the vehicle. He noticed the fire under the front hood. According to the ERG (Emergency Response Guide) emergency document, the electric motor and 12 V battery are located in this part of the vehicle. Based on this, it is assumed that the traction battery was not the cause of the fire, but caught fire later, after it broke out.
Electric Vehicle Fire on Road in Adams County
09.12.2024
US
Traffic accident
224
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Water
On December 9th, 2024, an electric vehicle fire occurred on I-76 in Adams County, Colorado, USA. The incident happened around 4:20 PM local time when the vehicle collided with the center median and subsequently caught fire. Firefighters from Adams County Fire Rescue arrived at the scene and determined that the fire originated from a thermal runaway event in the vehicle's lithium-ion battery. During the response, the eastbound lanes of I-76 between Pecos and I-25 were closed. Firefighters used a large amount of water to cool the battery and prevent further spread of the fire. One person sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The cause of the accident that led to the vehicle colliding with the center median is currently unknown and is under investigation.
Fatal Tesla Cybertruck Accident in California
27.11.2024
US
Traffic accident
217
Tesla Cybertruck
Water
On November 27th, 2024, at approximately 3:10 AM, a tragic car accident occurred in Piedmont, California, resulting in the deaths of three recent high school graduates and leaving one with serious injuries. Their vehicle, a Tesla Cybertruck, veered off the road, crashed into a concrete wall, and became wedged between the wall and a tree, subsequently catching fire. The incident took place at the intersection of Hampton Road and King Avenue. Police were dispatched to the scene by an automatic emergency call from the iPhone of one of the passengers at 3:08 AM. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle completely engulfed in flames. One of the occupants was rescued by a passerby who pulled him from the burning vehicle; this injured person was transported to the hospital in serious condition. According to local media, the victims were three men and one woman, all recent graduates of Piedmont High School and active football players. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and according to Fire Chief Dave Brannigan, there is no evidence to suggest that the vehicle's battery ignited; the incident resembled a typical car fire. According to Police Chief Jeremy Bowers, excessive speed is believed to be the probable cause of the accident; however, the investigation is ongoing and determining whether alcohol or drugs were also factors.
Fire in a Kia EV6 after colliding with a pole in Bratislava
26.11.2024
SK
Traffic accident
215
Kia EV6 2023
Water / Container
On November 26th, 2024, in the afternoon, a traffic accident involving a Kia EV6 GT electric car occurred on Vajnorská Street in Bratislava, Slovakia. The driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a streetlight pole sideways. Smoke began to emanate from the vehicle after the impact. Officers from the Rapid Motorized Unit of the Regional Police Directorate in Bratislava were the first to arrive at the scene. They quickly evacuated the driver from the vehicle with the help of emergency services and provided him with first aid on site. He was then transported to a hospital for further treatment. 22 firefighters and 10 pieces of equipment from the Fire and Rescue Service (HaZZ) intervened at the scene. During firefighting operations, a fire broke out on the underside of the vehicle in the area of the battery cover. Approximately 30,000 liters of water were used to extinguish it, using one high-pressure jet and two C-type jets. The fire was successfully extinguished, and firefighters disconnected the damaged battery. After completing the intervention, the vehicle was placed in a special container designed for storing electric vehicles after fires and transported to a secured area in cooperation with the police. Due to the accident, traffic restrictions were imposed in the vicinity of the incident, and the police organized traffic diversions. Motorists were urged to exercise caution when driving through this section. The causes of the accident and the circumstances leading up to it are under further investigation. Preliminary reports indicate loss of vehicle control as the cause of the accident and a unspecified technical malfunction caused by the impact as the cause of the fire.
Fire of a Volkswagen ID.4 electric car in Bratislava
26.11.2024
SK
Unknown
216
Volkswagen ID.4 2023
Water / Container
On November 26th, 2024, in the afternoon, a fire broke out in a company-owned Volkswagen ID.4 Pro (2023) electric vehicle parked on Galvaniho Street in Bratislava, Slovakia. The vehicle caught fire approximately one hour after completing DC fast charging and was parked in front of one of the businesses at the time of the incident. The flames spread to nearby vegetation, significantly contributing to the size of the fire. Twenty members of the Fire and Rescue Service (HaZZ) with nine pieces of equipment arrived at the scene. Upon their arrival, the fire was fully developed and engulfed both the vehicle and its surroundings. The primary objective of the intervention was to prevent the spread of flames to an adjacent building, whose facade was damaged by smoke. To extinguish the fire, they used 21,000 liters of water and a wetting agent (a substance that reduces the surface tension of water) using one high-pressure jet and two C-type jets. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters continued to cool the vehicle's battery until its temperature dropped to a safe value of 35 °C. The electric vehicle was then placed in a special quarantine container and transported to a monitored parking lot. The circumstances of the incident are still under investigation, but according to preliminary findings, the cause of the fire was a closer unspecified operational-technical malfunction of the vehicle's traction battery [3]. There were no injuries during the incident. However, the fire caused damage to the vehicle owner amounting to €53,000 and an estimated €20,000 in damage to the building. evft perspective In connection with this incident, there have been opinions that the source of the fire could have been the vehicle's 12-volt battery. However, this possibility has not yet been confirmed by any official source. According to the official report of the Presidium of the Fire and Rescue Service, a possible cause of the fire is a closer unspecified operational-technical malfunction of the vehicle's traction battery. We continue to monitor the situation, especially whether the 12V battery or a malfunction of the traction lithium-ion battery will be confirmed as the source of the fire. We will update the incident when new findings from the investigation are available.
Electric vehicle fire in a residential building garage in Chattanooga, USA
22.11.2024
US
Battery
229
Kia EV9 2024
Water
In the early morning hours of November 22nd, 2024, a fire broke out in the underground garage of an apartment building on Frazier Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. Thick smoke from the fire quickly spread throughout the building, preventing residents from safely evacuating. Fire units from the Chattanooga Fire Department arrived at the scene and discovered several vehicles burning in the garage. The thick smoke and limited visibility forced residents to remain in their apartments, so firefighters initiated an evacuation operation. Using a ladder truck, they evacuated residents from the fourth floor, and others were led out through the rear staircase. Five people were transported to the hospital with symptoms of smoke inhalation, and two other individuals were treated at the scene. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the garage, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the building. However, the apartments above the garage sustained damage from smoke, resulting in the temporary displacement of residents. Several vehicles in the garage were severely damaged or completely destroyed. The fire was fully extinguished by 2:47 am. The investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was an electrical malfunction in one of the electric vehicles parked in the garage. The fire was classified as accidental and marks the first major incident of this kind in Chattanooga.
Fire of a Mercedes-Benz electric car in an underground garage of an apartment building in Asan
14.11.2024
KR
Battery
213
Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC
Water / Fire blanket / Sprinkler
On November 14th at 2:14 AM, a fire broke out in a Mercedes-Benz EQC400 4MATIC electric vehicle in the underground garage of an apartment building in Mojong-dong, Asan, South Korea. The fire prompted the evacuation of residents, but no injuries were reported. The fire originated in the lower part of the vehicle where the lithium-ion battery is located. The incident was accompanied by sparks, thick smoke, and repeated explosions. Firefighters arrived at the scene within 4 minutes of being alerted and deployed 85 firefighters and 27 pieces of equipment. They used water to cool the battery and covered the vehicle with a fire retardant blanket. The fire alarm detectors and sprinklers in the garage were activated, which helped slow the spread of the fire. Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze within two hours. Despite the intensity of the fire, the flames did not spread to other vehicles or buildings. One neighboring car suffered minor damage from soot. An investigation into the fire is underway in collaboration with firefighters, police, and technical experts. Preliminary estimates suggest that the cause of the fire may have been a technical malfunction in the lithium-ion battery, or possibly damage to it from an external impact.
Fatal Tesla Accident in Toronto
24.10.2024
CA
Traffic accident
209
Tesla 2024
Water
Shortly after midnight on October 24th, 2024, a tragic traffic accident occurred on Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto, Canada, resulting in the deaths of four people of Indian origin[5]. The incident happened when a Tesla traveling at high speed collided with a concrete pillar after the driver lost control of the vehicle. The car caught fire upon impact. According to investigators, the Tesla was traveling at a high speed and immediately burst into flames after hitting a guardrail and then a concrete pillar. There were five people in the vehicle – three men and two women aged between 20 and 30. Four people died at the scene, while one woman, a 25-year-old passenger, was rescued by a passing motorist[1] who pulled her from the burning car. This woman was hospitalized with serious injuries but is not in life-threatening condition. Fire crews arrived at the scene to find the car completely engulfed in flames. According to Deputy Chief of Toronto Fire Services, Jim Jessop[2], the intensity of the fire was likely caused by the battery cells in the Tesla, which is common in fires involving electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries. A significant amount of water was needed to extinguish the blaze and after it was put out, four bodies were found inside the vehicle showing no signs of life. These were then safely extracted from the car. One of the battery cells had been ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was placed in a special container filled with sand to minimize the risk of reignition. The cause of the driver losing control of the vehicle and the subsequent fire is under investigation. Police are considering all possible factors, including high speed, road conditions, and whether the vehicle was being driven by one of the passengers or if the autonomous driving system was engaged. Jessop noted that while fires in electric vehicles can be more intense due to the batteries, similar incidents also occur with vehicles equipped with combustion engines.
Fatal Tesla Accident in France
12.10.2024
FR
Traffic accident
204
Tesla
-
On Saturday, October 12th, 2024, at approximately 10:45 PM local time, a tragic incident occurred near the city of Niort in France, resulting in the deaths of four people. An electric Tesla vehicle traveling at high speed left the roadway, colliding with several traffic signs. Based on tire marks on the road and damaged infrastructure, it is presumed that the vehicle lost control and came to a stop several meters further down the road, where it subsequently caught fire. As a result of the accident, the driver and three passengers, who were employees of a restaurant in the nearby town of Melle, perished. According to local sources, the driver was a 65-year-old man from Niort, and the passengers were aged 26, 21, and 16. When emergency services arrived at the scene, all occupants of the vehicle were already deceased, and their bodies were burned beyond recognition due to the fire. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and therefore the case has been handed over for further investigation. The local judge confirmed that a technical analysis of the vehicle will be conducted as part of the investigation, which could shed light on the precise circumstances of the accident. Police also reported that there were no witnesses to the accident, which complicates the reconstruction of the incident's sequence of events. Tesla and its owner Elon Musk have not yet commented on the incident.
Electric car fire on a street in London
10.10.2024
GB
Unknown
208
Skoda Enyaq
Water
On October 10th, 2024, in the early morning hours, a fire broke out in a Škoda electric vehicle in the Leytonstone area of East London on Cavendish Drive. The fire was reported around 7:50 am, with the fire service dispatch receiving more than ten emergency calls. Two fire engines and approximately ten firefighters from Leyton and Leytonstone fire stations were dispatched to the scene and brought the flames under control by 8:11 am. The road was closed for several hours following the incident, thankfully with no reported injuries. The fire was of such intensity that it damaged two adjacent properties and one neighboring vehicle. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation.
Fire of a Mercedes EQA on the driveway of a family home in Sprattone
30.09.2024
GB
Battery
225
Mercedes-Benz EQA 2021
Water
On September 30th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Mercedes EQA electric vehicle on the driveway of a family home in Spratton, Great Britain. The vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 hours prior to the incident and was not plugged in for charging. The fire occurred at around 9:15 PM when the family was inside their home and suddenly heard a loud bang. After the explosion, they discovered that their car had started burning. Firefighters from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene approximately 15 minutes after the fire was reported. The family and neighbors had already attempted to prevent the spread of the flames using garden hoses before their arrival. Despite their efforts, the car was engulfed in flames within one minute of the fire starting. The firefighters were able to prevent the fire from completely destroying the house, however, the garage and front room suffered significant damage. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined. The vehicle was only two years old and had not shown any signs of damage or technical problems prior to the incident. Mercedes-Benz has announced that they are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire in cooperation with the insurance company.
Tesla Fire After Hurricane Helene
29.09.2024
US
Submersion
211
Tesla Model X Plaid
-
On the night of September 29th, 2024, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home in Sarasota, Florida involving a Tesla Model X Plaid during Hurricane Helene. The vehicle, which was not plugged in to charge, was parked in the garage where floodwaters had risen to a level of 15 to 20 cm due to the storm surge. Nest camera footage captured flames rapidly spreading from the vehicle to the entire house. At the time of the fire, nine people were inside the home; two of them were awake and noticed the garage was on fire in time. All residents managed to escape the house safely, but the building was completely destroyed by the blaze. evft perspective Saltwater can accelerate the corrosion of metal components in batteries and increase the risk of damage to their protective layers. This can lead to water penetrating the battery and subsequent short circuits or other malfunctions. During hurricanes and floods, electric vehicles are often exposed to saltwater, which increases the risk of battery damage and potential fires. Our database repeatedly shows an increase in incidents related to electric vehicles during hurricanes and floods. These findings highlight the need for increased vigilance and preventative measures to protect vehicles from contact with saltwater.
Electric Audi Fire in Grzybów
26.09.2024
PL
Unknown
220
Audi e-tron GT
Water
On September 26th, 2024, a fire broke out in an Audi electric vehicle parked in front of a hotel on Borkowska Street in Grzybowo, Poland. The incident began shortly after 4:00 am when firefighters received a report of a burning car. Upon arrival at the scene, the entire vehicle was already engulfed in flames. The vehicle was parked near the hotel, but thanks to the quick response of firefighters, the fire did not spread to the building. The firefighting operation lasted approximately 2.5 hours. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire, regularly cooling the battery and monitoring its temperature with a thermal imaging camera to prevent re-ignition. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire, and damages were estimated at approximately 700,000 zlotys. No one was injured in the incident. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Police are investigating whether it was arson or a technical malfunction leading to self-ignition.
Complex fire of an Audi E-Tron GT on a lift
15.09.2024
US
Unknown
203
Audi e-tron GT 2023
Water / Sprinkler
The Carmel Fire Department was called to a car dealership in Carmel, USA, after a fire alarm was triggered. Upon arrival, firefighters found the service area of the building filled with thick smoke and identified an electric Audi e-tron GT vehicle raised on a maintenance lift as the source of the fire. The electric vehicle was largely extinguished while still on the lift and then moved outside the building. There it reignited. The fire did not directly affect any other vehicles, but several were in the service area with open windows, exposing them to damage from smoke, heat, steam, and water from the sprinkler system. As a result, some of these vehicles are expected to be damaged, even completely totaled in some cases. evft perspective The exact cause of the incident is currently unknown, but visible fire damage was mainly concentrated at the front of the vehicle, around the charging port area where electrical components are located. This suggests that the fire may have been related to electronics. A precise cause will be determined by an investigation being conducted by the Carmel Fire Department. Their spokesperson has only confirmed so far that the vehicle was not being charged at the time of the fire. This model year Audi e-tron GT has had several recalls in the past[6][7]. The first was issued on August 31, 2023, due to the potential for fluid ingress into the battery, which increases the risk of fire. The second was issued on December 12, 2024, and concerned overheating of the charging system. On March 21, 2024, another recall was issued warning of a risk of short circuit in the high-voltage battery, which could again lead to a fire. At the time of the incident, the latest recall was published on June 19, 2024, pointing to a problem with the brakes that could cause an extended stopping distance and increase the risk of a collision. A few days after this incident, another recall was added on September 29, 2024, again related to an increased risk of fire, this time associated with a short circuit in the vehicle's high-voltage battery. Advanced diagnostic software will be installed in the recalled electric vehicles as a final remedy. It is currently unknown whether this recall was issued in connection with this incident. There have been 2 publicly known fires involving Audi e-tron GT vehicles in the past. Both occurred in Munich. The first incident happened on January 19, 2021, and was caused by spontaneous combustion due to a technical fault. The second fire occurred on July 30, 2021, when an Audi caught fire while charging. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is suspected to be related to electronics in the front of the vehicle. Both cases involved older versions of the electric vehicle and no similar incidents like the one in Carmel have been reported since.
Fire at a Tesla service center
13.09.2024
US
Vandalism
202
Tesla
Water
A fire broke out at the Tesla service center in the Miramare district of San Diego. Firefighters arrived shortly after it was reported and intervened quickly, but extinguishing the blaze was complicated by repeated reignition of the lithium-ion batteries for several hours after the initial suppression. The flames destroyed four electric vehicles and also damaged part of the building. Investigators are considering arson as a possible cause and are gathering evidence that suggests the fire may have been intentionally set[1][2][3].
Fire in an electric van on the island of Guernsey
29.08.2024
GG
Unknown
210
Nissan e-NV200
Water / Fire blanket
On August 29th, 2024 at approximately 5:20 PM, the fire department was called to a fire at the workshop of Craig’s Motors on Ville Baudu Street on the island of Guernsey. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire in the workshop had already spread through the roof and was producing thick black smoke. Inside the workshop was an electric van with a lithium-ion battery, which was also engulfed in flames. Firefighters were specially trained to handle electric vehicle fires and therefore used two water jets and deployed a specialized fire blanket [2]. This combination effectively contained the spread of the flames, successfully bringing the fire under control. Due to the risk of the vehicle's battery reigniting, some firefighters remained on site to monitor the stability of the battery. During the incident, nearby residents were advised to keep their windows closed due to potentially toxic fumes and avoid any contact with debris as the roof structure of the building contained asbestos [1][2]. The owner of the company was taken to the hospital for treatment with suspected smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known and an investigation is underway.
Fire of two parked Teslas
27.08.2024
US
Unknown
198
Tesla
Tesla Unknown
Water
In Lafayette, an incident occurred where two Teslas parked in a driveway caught fire. The fire started while at least one of the vehicles was charging. The fire spread to surrounding vegetation, and extinguishing it was complicated due to the electric vehicle batteries. The fire did not threaten any buildings and caused no injuries or fatalities[1][2]. Battalion Chief Kevin Platt stated that the fire originated in close proximity to the Teslas or directly within one of them[2].
Fire of a Tesla Cybertruck in Texas after colliding with a fire hydrant
27.08.2024
US
Traffic accident
199
Tesla Cybertruck 2024
Water
The second known incident of a Tesla Cybertruck fire occurred in the city of Harlingen, Texas. For reasons yet to be determined, the vehicle collided with a fire hydrant, causing damage to the battery and a subsequent thermal runaway that led to a fire. The incident took place at the intersection of Spur 54 and Bass Pro Drive, between Sam's Club and Bass Pro Shop. Firefighters from the Harlingen Fire Department arrived on the scene and immediately began extinguishing the blaze. Although they initially managed to bring the fire under control, it reignited shortly after the water supply to the battery was stopped. It took approximately 90 minutes to completely extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported during the incident. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters continued to monitor the vehicle during its removal to prevent a possible re-ignition, which is common practice with electric vehicles.
A fire at a Rivian factory damaged 57 vehicles
24.08.2024
US
Unknown
197
Rivian R1S 2024
Rivian R1T 2024
Water
On August 24th, 2024, a fire broke out in the parking lot of the Rivian manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. The fire affected over 50 electric vehicles, models Rivian R1S and R1T, which were awaiting delivery to customers. The local fire department, Normal Fire Department, was called shortly before 9:45 PM local time. The fire originated in a corner of the parking lot, near industrial railway tracks. Firefighters got the blaze under control around midnight and remained on site until the early morning hours to monitor the situation. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and the fire did not spread to the main factory where models R1T and R1S are currently being produced and preparations are underway for the production of the new R2 SUV model. Aerial footage from the scene shows 57 damaged vehicles, while the cause of the fire is not yet known and is under investigation. As stated by a Rivian spokesperson[4], the company is cooperating with local investigative authorities to determine the cause of the fire. evft perspective Although the investigation into the exact cause of the fire is still ongoing, the quick extinguishment of the flames suggests that the vehicles' traction batteries likely did not play a major role in this incident. Electric fires involving batteries often last longer and require special procedures due to the risk of reignition. In this case, the fire was under control within approximately two hours, which supports the hypothesis that the source of the fire was an external cause unrelated directly to the batteries. The fact that the fire affected such a large number of cars may be due precisely to the close parking of the vehicles. The proximity of the vehicles to each other allowed for the rapid spread of flames from one vehicle to another, which significantly worsened the extent of the damage.
Tesla Semi Fire on Interstate I-80
19.08.2024
US
Traffic accident
192
Tesla Semi
Water
In the early morning hours, a fire broke out in the battery of a Tesla Semi electric truck on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California, USA. For reasons yet to be determined, the driver veered off the road and crashed into trees at the side of the highway, causing the vehicle to ignite. The accident was serious, but the driver survived and was transported to the hospital. Emergency crews from Cal Fire and a hazardous materials team contracted by Tesla were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:16 am. The fire spread beyond the vehicle itself to surrounding vegetation. Toxic gases were released from the burning battery, forcing authorities to close the highway for nearly 16 hours due to the risk of inhalation. Extinguishing the fire was extremely challenging because individual cells in the vehicle's lithium-ion battery continued to burn due to thermal runaway, producing intense heat that reached approximately 538 degrees Celsius (1,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Firefighters used thousands of liters of water to cool the battery. Additionally, fire retardant[6], a chemical that slows down burning, was deployed to prevent the flames from spreading into the surrounding forest. Crews had to wait for the battery to cool down to a safe temperature on its own, which finally occurred around 4:00 pm local time. They then began removing the wreckage of the vehicle, which was transported to Tesla Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada. The highway was fully reopened by 7:00 pm. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident, including the possibility that the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
Fire in Deep Blue SL03 after impact to the underside of the vehicle
18.08.2024
CN
Traffic accident
181
Changan Deep Blue SL03
Water / Powder extinguisher
An electric vehicle, the Changan Deep Blue SL03, caught fire on a road in the city of Chongqing, China, after hitting a damaged cobblestone. The incident was captured on a security camera and the video quickly spread online, attracting significant public attention. The Deep Blue SL03 was traveling at low speed when it suddenly hit a loose and damaged cobblestone on the road. The impact was so strong that the vehicle lifted into the air and upon landing, the sharp edge of the cobblestone pierced the underside of the vehicle, damaging the battery casing. This impact caused an immediate thermal runaway in two battery cells, which subsequently ignited. The driver and passenger reacted quickly and safely exited the vehicle before the flames spread. Initially, it appeared that the fire extinguished itself within approximately 25 seconds, suggesting that only the two damaged battery cells had caught fire. However, a short time later the vehicle reignited[2][7] as the thermal runaway spread to surrounding battery cells, leading to the complete destruction of the vehicle. Firefighters who arrived at the scene eventually extinguished the blaze and ensured it did not spread to the surroundings. The vehicle was almost completely destroyed, with flames engulfing not only the underside but also the interior.
Tesla Fire in South Korea
16.08.2024
KR
Battery
193
Tesla Model X 2018
Water / Fire blanket
On Friday evening, August 16th, a fire broke out in a parked Tesla Model X (2018) on the roadside of Gugal-dong street in Yongin city, Gyeonggi province, South Korea. The driver noticed white smoke and unusual noises coming from the area between the driver's seat and the front wheel after parking the vehicle. After immediately exiting the vehicle, the smoke quickly turned into flames. The incident was subsequently reported to emergency services. Firefighters responded quickly, deploying 57 firefighters and 20 pieces of firefighting equipment to the scene. They used a special fire-retardant blanket to prevent the spread of the fire. It took them approximately 3 hours to bring the fire under control and about 4 hours from the time it started to completely extinguish it. Further investigations show that the vehicle had more than 200,000 kilometers on the odometer and was in service at the beginning of the month due to problems with the air conditioning. Experts warn that the fire may have been caused by a problem with the battery or cooling system [5]. The vehicle ended up completely destroyed after being extinguished, especially in the front part. Fortunately, there were no injuries. After the incident, firefighters continued monitoring to prevent possible re-ignition. The exact cause of the fire will be further investigated by firefighters and experts.
Major fire at an airport parking lot in Lisbon
16.08.2024
PT
Unknown
200
Unknown ICE
Water
On Friday evening, August 16th, 2024, a large fire broke out in a parking garage near Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal, destroying over 200 vehicles. The incident occurred in the industrial area of Prior Velho, where a long-term parking lot is located, mainly used by travelers from the airport. These vehicles were parked very close together, which contributed to the rapid spread of flames to surrounding cars. As a result, several fuel explosions occurred, significantly complicating firefighting efforts. The intervention was complicated not only by flammable materials, primarily fuel, but also by strong winds that intensified the spread of the fire. Approximately 140 firefighters with 48 pieces of equipment were deployed to the scene. Despite their maximum effort, it took several hours to bring the situation under control, and subsequent operations continued until the early morning hours. Initial reports on the fire stated that the fire originated in a Tesla electric vehicle, but this information was inaccurate as the investigation revealed that the source of the fire was a vehicle with an internal combustion engine where a relay malfunctioned [10]. evft perspective The initial information suggested that the cause of the fire was the ignition of a Tesla vehicle, which proved to be false, but this information was already public. Information about the source of the fire in a combustion engine vehicle came out only about a month after the incident.
Fire of a Kia EV6 electric car in a public parking garage
06.08.2024
KR
Battery
189
Kia EV6
Water / Fire blanket
A rented electric Kia EV6 caught fire in a public parking garage in Geumsan, South Korea. The driver parked the vehicle at the lot the evening before the incident, around 6:00 PM, and plugged it into an AC charging station. Around 5:00 AM the following morning, smoke began to rise from under the vehicle, and flames were soon observed. Local fire crews were called to the scene. They extinguished the initial fire and secured the area by removing the vehicle from the parking lot and covering it with a fire blanket. The operation took them approximately 1.5 hours. The vehicle was damaged mainly in the lower part, leading police and firefighters to believe that the fire originated in the battery. The vehicle was equipped with a battery from domestic company SK On[2]. The exact cause of the fire will be determined through a detailed analysis. No further property damage or injuries were reported during this incident, thanks to the slow progression of the thermal runaway event and the effective response of the firefighters.
Fatal Tesla Cybertruck Accident in Texas
05.08.2024
US
Traffic accident
187
Tesla Cybertruck 2024
-
In the early morning hours, the first fatal accident involving a Tesla Cybertruck occurred. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Fisher Road in Texas, USA. For reasons yet to be determined, it veered off the roadway near Cedar Port Parkway at a high speed and collided with a concrete culvert. The vehicle caught fire upon impact. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and could not be identified due to extensive burns. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle, leaving only a burned-out shell after it was extinguished. The intensity of the flames was so strong that the VIN and license plate number of the Cybertruck melted away. Local authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the accident in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is examining whether the Autopilot function was activated in the Cybertruck at the time of the accident.[3]
Electric Vehicle Fire Caused by an Accident
05.08.2024
AT
Unknown
188
Volvo EX30
Water / Container
In Buchkirchen, Austria, a tragic accident occurred where the driver of an electric vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree. The impact threw the car into a cornfield where it immediately caught fire. The fire was intense and the vehicle, along with its passengers, burned completely[1][2]. Firefighters tried to extinguish the blaze, but the electric vehicle continued to burn, so they had to load it into a special water-filled container[3][4]. Identifying the victims proved difficult because the fire completely destroyed the license plate and chassis number[1][4].
A Tesla connected to an illegal source of electricity set a house on fire
05.08.2024
MX
External – Electrical Installation
195
Tesla Model S
Water
A Tesla Model S driver caused a fire by connecting the vehicle to an illegal tap directly to an electrical line in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico. On Monday morning, firefighters received a report of a house fire in the low-income residential neighborhood of Lazaro Cardenas. The Tijuana Fire Department responded quickly to the fire. Upon arriving at the scene, they found a burning house and next to it a Tesla Model S that was charging through an illegal tap directly connected to an electrical line. The fire had also spread to the vehicle itself. Local firefighters, trained in handling electric vehicle fires, were able to extinguish the fire quickly. They created earthen berms around the vehicle to keep it submerged in water and prevent reignition. The vehicle was left at the scene for several days to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. There were no injuries during the incident. The extent of the damage is unknown, but the vehicle ended up severely damaged. Sources report that the vehicle had California license plates and belonged to an American tourist[2][4]. evft perspective It is suspected that the fire was caused by a power surge that occurred during charging or due to the illegal electrical installation connected to the Tesla. The high-voltage battery of the vehicle was likely not affected by the fire, as evidenced by the speed at which it was extinguished and photographs showing significant damage to the front passenger side, near the burning house. The undercarriage area where the battery is located remained undamaged by the fire.
Fire in an underground parking lot in South Korea
01.08.2024
KR
Battery
186
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 350
Water
In the underground garage of the Cheongna-dong apartment complex in Incheon, South Korea, a large fire broke out from an electric vehicle, causing extensive damage. A security camera from the parking lot captured the beginning of the incident.[2] Thick smoke began to billow from the underside of a fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and seconds later the car was engulfed in flames. The fire spread to other vehicles and resulted in a major firefighting operation. The vehicle was not charging at the time of the incident. 177 firefighters with 80 fire trucks responded to the scene. The entire complex of buildings connected by the garage had to be evacuated because toxic fumes from the burning cars spread into the residential units. 23 people ended up in the hospital due to smoke inhalation. It took firefighters five hours and 39 minutes to get the fire under control and a total of eight hours and 20 minutes to fully extinguish it, partly because they couldn't reach the fire with firefighting equipment. The garage was equipped with a fixed fire suppression system (FFSS) - sprinklers, which did not function at the time of the incident for reasons yet unknown [6]. During the last inspection in June, it was found that some valves were not working properly. The fire damaged a total of 140 vehicles, 40 of which were completely destroyed. 480 households from five buildings were left without electricity for several days. Water and sewage pipes were also damaged in the fire, leading to the shutdown of water and sewage services. It was later discovered that the FFSS had been deactivated by the building management at the time the fire started at 06:09, who assessed it as a false alarm based on previous negative experiences. Five minutes later - at 06:14 - there was an attempt to activate the FFSS, which was unsuccessful due to damage caused by the fire [5]. The Chinese battery manufacturer Farasis Energy, whose cells were used in the electric vehicle and which has already experienced problems with battery cell quality in the past [9], is also facing heavy criticism. evft perspective According to footage from the security camera [2], it is clear that the fire was caused by a thermal runaway of the electric vehicle's traction battery, as you can clearly see gas escaping due to the breakdown of the battery structure due to increasing temperature, which subsequently led to the rapid ignition of these gases. It is assumed that the vehicle's battery was already exhibiting abnormal behavior several minutes before the incident, because a battery cell must reach at least 70°C to initiate thermal runaway. According to available information, the garage was not equipped with smoke and heat exhaust systems, which complicated the firefighters' intervention. What exactly initiated the thermal runaway of the battery is under investigation, but it is likely due to problematic quality of cells from Farasis Energy.
Nissan Leaf Fire
01.08.2024
US
Other (non-battery)
201
Nissan LEAF
Water / Fire blanket
On August 1st, 2024, an incident occurred in Tallahassee, Florida, where a Nissan Leaf began smoking on Mahan Drive, near a Nissan dealership. The vehicle showed signs of smoking around 1:00 PM at the Nissan Charging Station[5]. It is unknown from available sources whether the vehicle was connected to the charging station and if it was charging at the time of the incident. Firefighters from the Tallahassee Fire Department were called to the scene and used a fire blanket to extinguish the incident and prevent the spread of fire. Available photos of the incident[1] show only heavy smoke coming from the vehicle, but it is unclear whether there were any visible flames. There were no injuries reported during the incident. evft perspective Based on available photographs, a charging station connector can be seen lying on the ground, which may suggest that the vehicle was charging at the time of the incident.
Tesla Fire at a Charging Station in Mechanicsburg
08.07.2024
US
Unknown
140
Tesla Model Y
Water / Foam
In the evening hours, crews from the Upper Allen Fire Department were called to a Tesla fire in the parking lot of a Sheetz convenience store on South Market Street, Pennsylvania, USA. For reasons yet to be determined, the vehicle caught fire while at a Tesla Supercharger fast-charging station. The first responding units were able to bring the fire under control and began cooling the battery. Several other departments also responded, including Team 200 from Cumberland County Hazardous Material to monitor for any leaked hazardous substances. Crews remained on scene for approximately 5 hours monitoring the vehicle for re-ignition. After it was extinguished, the vehicle was towed to a secure location. evft perspective Photographs [1] suggest that the vehicle was not charging at the time of the incident as the connector is located in the Supercharger charging station stand. The heavily damaged front end of the vehicle indicates that the fire originated there. Therefore, the fire did not originate in the vehicle's battery and there appears to have been no thermal runaway.
Fire of three Rivian EVs at an Amazon parking lot in Texas
01.07.2024
US
Unknown
184
Rivian EDV
Water
On July 1st, 2024, a fire broke out in the parking lot of an Amazon distribution center in Houston, Texas. The fire originated in a Rivian EDV electric delivery van and subsequently spread to two other vehicles parked next to it. The incident was captured by a drone, with footage showing flames and thick black smoke billowing from the parking lot where the vans were located near charging stations. Local temperatures reached approximately 38°C that day, which may have been a contributing factor. Firefighters at the scene faced intense flames as they attempted to contain the fire. The flames were so strong that two vehicles were reduced to their frames. Witnesses reported that firefighters had difficulty extinguishing the blaze due to its intensity. Amazon confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with this incident and that they are cooperating with an independent investigator and experts from Rivian. In an official statement, Rivian stated that the vehicle that was the source of the fire was connected to a charger but was not actively charging at the time of the incident[1][3]. The company also confirmed that the traction battery was not the initiator of the fire. The case is currently under further investigation, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. evft perspective There have been several reported cases of fires involving Rivian EDV vehicles in the past, but publicly available information is relatively limited. In this particular case, this possibility was ruled out by Rivian, but the investigation is ongoing[1].
Tesla Fire After Collision with Tree
26.06.2024
US
Traffic accident
135
Tesla Unknown
Water / Fire blanket
On State Route 128 at mile marker 36.5 in the city of Philo in California, a Tesla collided with a tree in the early morning hours, causing a large fire. Firefighters used special tools to cool the batteries and extinguish the flames, consuming a significant amount of water. The response required cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to restore traffic flow in at least one direction. Normal traffic resumed shortly after 8:00 am. The driver of the vehicle sustained leg and back injuries and was transported to the trauma unit of a hospital[1]. evft perspective There are no photos or videos of the incident available online, nor is there further information about the vehicle. The only known information is that it was a white Tesla.
MG on fire after collision with a fallen driveshaft from a bus
21.06.2024
TH
Traffic accident
134
MG MG5 Electric
Powder extinguisher
A fire broke out in an MG electric SUV at the Pong Expressway toll plaza rest stop. The fire occurred while the MG was being loaded onto a tow truck that had been called after the car collided with a detached drive shaft from a bus, causing damage to the vehicle. Tow service employees quickly responded to the developing fire using a chemical extinguisher until firefighters arrived and provided further assistance. The collision with the object occurred at the front of the vehicle where the fire also broke out and spread into the cabin. According to available information, there was no thermal runaway from the battery, as the floor of the vehicle appears undamaged. No injuries were reported at the scene. Police are investigating the actual cause.
Tesla vehicle accident in which the battery's protective casing was damaged
17.06.2024
US
Traffic accident
132
Tesla Model 3
Water
Electric vehicle fire in the evening hours on Back Beach Rd, Florida, USA. The vehicle caught fire after colliding with a concrete guardrail. The battery pack's protective casing was severely damaged, causing thermal runaway and subsequent fire in the electric car. The car burned for 2 hours despite nearly 170,000 liters of water being used. evft perspective Based on our estimation, we believe this is a Model 3 Long Range vehicle.
The firefighter suffered minor burns while extinguishing a fire in a hybrid car.
13.06.2024
AU
Battery (explosion)
127
Volvo XC40
Water
In the Sydney suburb of Camperdown on Ross St, a fire broke out in a hybrid Volvo SUV. The electric vehicle began smoking in the early morning hours (at 4:40 am), prompting a call to the NSW Fire and Rescue service (FRNSW). When a firefighter opened the car door, accumulated gases ignited, causing minor facial burns and leading to his precautionary transport to the hospital. [4] The interior of the vehicle was destroyed in the subsequent fire, but the lithium-ion battery remained undamaged by the flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU). evft perspective It is likely that due to rising battery temperature [2], the battery was in the early stages of thermal runaway, which is characterized by the release of flammable gases. These gases accumulated inside the vehicle cabin and ignited upon the firefighter opening the door, resulting in an explosion that injured him. This type of incident is recorded in our database as "Battery (Explosion)" and accounts for approximately 4% of all incidents.
Electric car fire in a garage
07.06.2024
CA
Unknown
99
Unknown BEV
-
In the early morning hours, thick smoke began to emerge from a house on Glen Avenue in the city of Old Ottawa South. Fire crews responded to multiple reports and arrived at the scene six minutes after the first call. Upon arrival, they identified a fire involving an electric vehicle in the garage of a family home. The fire was brought under control within 13 minutes and the vehicle was subsequently removed to prevent any potential spread to the house. There were no reported injuries at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Battery ignition of a hybrid vehicle after partial submersion in seawater
03.06.2024
NZ
Submersion
129
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Water / Foam
On the Whangaparāoa peninsula, the battery of a hybrid vehicle caught fire. Emergency services were called in the early morning hours to a car partially submerged in the sea. A group of locals managed to pull the vehicle out of the water. However, at 10:42 am smoke began to emerge from the car and the Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade[3] was called to the scene. The vehicle was moved to a safe location and the surrounding area was secured. According to investigators, the battery was damaged by water, which subsequently caused a thermal runaway leading to the fire. Fire crews spent more than six hours at the scene extinguishing the blaze until the battery was depleted and the vehicle was completely extinguished.[1] evft perspective We agree with the investigators' conclusion that the cause of the battery fire was moisture, or submersion of the battery, especially in salt water, which leads to a short circuit in the battery. Based on the photographs and ERG document[2], we have identified the vehicle as a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Electric Vehicle Fire in Port St. Lucie, Florida
02.06.2024
US
Unknown
133
Nissan LEAF
Water
V Port St. Lucie in Florida, an electric vehicle fire occurred, requiring over 75,000 liters of water to extinguish. According to Chad Crouse, chief of the St. Lucie County Fire District, it was a battery fire that released flammable gases. Firefighters had access to a hydrant, which facilitated extinguishing efforts. However, in the absence of a hydrant, they would have needed to continuously replenish water from tanker trucks. evft perspective Based on photographs [1], it can be reliably determined that the vehicle is a second-generation Nissan Leaf. The origin and progression of the fire are unclear from available sources, so it cannot be definitively determined whether battery combustion was the cause or consequence of the fire.
A Tesla fire closed a highway in Douglas County, USA
29.05.2024
US
Battery
131
Tesla Model 3
Fire blanket
On May 29th, 2024, a fire broke out in a Tesla electric vehicle on Highway 83 in Douglas County, Colorado, USA. The vehicle was located between North Pinery Parkway and South Pinery Parkway, where it began experiencing problems while driving. The incident was reported at 11:13 local time. Firefighters from South Metro Fire Rescue, along with HAZMAT teams and other emergency responders, arrived at the scene. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle engulfed in flames, with the fire also spreading to nearby grass. The response was deemed challenging due to it being a lithium-ion battery fire, which requires specific extinguishing methods. Firefighters deployed a special fire blanket, which they placed over the vehicle to cut off the oxygen supply and prevent further flame spread. However, they had to continuously monitor the site as the fire re-ignited. Ultimately, they decided to let the vehicle burn out completely. It was then towed to a secure location with the blanket still covering it. During the response, Highway 83 was closed in both directions, causing traffic disruptions. One lane was temporarily opened, but due to persistent smoke, the roads had to be closed again. The vehicle burned down to its frame, but the fire resulted in no injuries. The driver managed to evacuate safely before the flames erupted. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol.
Tesla Car Fire in Weston
26.05.2024
US
Traffic accident
137
Tesla Model 3 2024
Water
In the early morning hours, a traffic accident occurred on State Road 84 in Westone, Florida, resulting in a vehicle fire and one fatality. The driver of a Tesla was traveling on State Road 84 approaching Bonaventure Boulevard. He entered the U-shaped turning lane, veered off the roadway, and collided with a concrete support pillar. The Tesla caught fire after the impact, accompanied by thick smoke. Firefighters extinguished the flames, but the driver was found dead inside the wreckage. Authorities have identified the driver, but it is currently unknown whether vehicle malfunction or human error caused the accident. Investigators from the Broward Sheriff's Office are still working to determine the cause of the incident.[3]
Dacia Spring Fire
23.05.2024
RO
Battery
100
Dacia Spring
Water
On May 23rd, 2024, a fire broke out in an electric Dacia Spring vehicle parked near storage facilities in the city of Tulcea, Romania. The fire started in the early morning hours shortly after the battery had finished charging. Video footage from the incident site, shared on social media, documents the course of the incident and the extent of the damage. The fire began with thick smoke emanating from under the vehicle, which quickly turned into flames. The fire then spread to an adjacent commercial building. Local firefighting units were immediately dispatched to the scene, deploying two fire trucks, a technical rescue unit, and a SMURD (rapid medical assistance team). It took firefighters approximately three hours to completely extinguish the fire, preventing further spread of the flames. There were no injuries or loss of life during the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest that a short circuit in the vehicle's battery may have been the cause of the fire. Dacia has not publicly commented on the incident, and the results of a detailed investigation have not yet been released.
Fire at the Astorg Auto dealership in Charleston
18.05.2024
US
Unknown
130
Jaguar I-Pace
Water
On Saturday afternoon, May 18th, 2024, a fire broke out at the Astorg Auto dealership on Dudley Farms Lane in Charleston, West Virginia, USA. The fire originated in a Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle located inside the dealership. The vehicle began to smoke from under the hood and subsequently caught fire. Dealership employees reported the incident around 4:30 PM local time. Firefighters from the Charleston Fire Department and South Charleston Fire Department arrived on scene shortly after the report. The vehicle was moved from the building to the parking lot where firefighters continued to extinguish the flames. There were no injuries reported during the incident. The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown and remains under investigation.
Fire of a Chevy Bolt in an underground parking garage
08.05.2024
KR
Unknown
190
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Water / Sprinkler
A fire broke out in a Chevrolet Bolt EUV in the underground parking garage of the Jochon-dong apartment building in Gunsan, South Korea. Firefighters were able to extinguish the vehicle within 45 minutes and remove it from the garage without further material damage. The functioning sprinkler system was instrumental in their efforts. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but firefighters believe it originated in the battery area under the vehicle, a theory supported by available photographs from the scene.
Electric vehicle fire on Troy Street in Norfolk
30.04.2024
US
Unknown
122
Mercedes-Benz Smart EQ Fortwo
Water
On April 30th, 2024, a fire broke out in an electric Mercedes-Benz vehicle parked in the driveway of a family home in the Colonial Heights area of Norfolk, Virginia, USA. The fire started around 6:32 am and quickly spread to the adjacent house. Firefighters from Norfolk Fire & Rescue arrived to find the vehicle engulfed in flames, with the fire already affecting part of the house. Intense flames and thick smoke significantly complicated the firefighting efforts. The fire was brought under control by 6:58 am. The vehicle was burned down to its frame. Four residents of the house were evacuated without injuries. However, the house suffered extensive damage, requiring their temporary relocation. The American Red Cross was called in to assist with securing accommodation. There were no reported injuries among the responding firefighters. The cause of the fire has not yet been released and remains under investigation.
A Lucid Air electric car caught fire after hitting a pole in the center of Warsaw
19.04.2024
PL
Traffic accident
66
Lucid Air Dream Edition 2023
Water
On April 19th, 2024, a serious traffic accident followed by a fire involving a luxury electric Lucid Air vehicle occurred at the busy intersection of Aleja Niepodległości and Antoniego Madalińského in the Mokotów district of Warsaw, Poland. The incident happened around 10:00 am when the driver of the Lucid Air made a sharp maneuver to avoid a collision with another vehicle that cut him off. Subsequently, he crashed into a streetlight pole. Only seconds after the impact, the front part of the vehicle caught fire and the flames quickly spread throughout the entire car. The driver managed to safely exit the vehicle and was later taken to the hospital for observation. The other driver, who allegedly caused the accident, fled the scene. Three fire units from the Komenda Miejska Państwowej Straży Pożarnej m.st. Warszawy arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire in approximately 10 minutes. However, after the initial extinguishing, the fire reignited due to thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery. Firefighters continued to cool down the battery. Due to significant damage to the battery, individual battery cells began to fall out of the vehicle. Firefighters then turned the car on its side to facilitate further cooling and stabilize the situation. After completing the intervention, the vehicle was removed and firefighters continued to monitor the battery temperature. The vehicle was completely destroyed after the accident. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is suspected that the ignition occurred due to damage to the battery cells during the impact.
Fire of a Volvo XC Recharge
30.03.2024
US
Battery (explosion)
39
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Water
On the morning of March 30th, 2024, the Boulder Fire-Rescue department received a report of a garage fire at a family home on Emerald Road in Boulder, Colorado, USA. The report came from a company that detected activation of the fire alarm in the garage. Upon arrival, firefighters found a smoking electric vehicle inside the garage. After an initial assessment of the situation, it was decided to call for additional units using the "Fill-the-Box" alarm, which is a request for extra resources. Shortly thereafter, before backup arrived, the vehicle exploded inside the garage. The explosion significantly increased the size of the fire, requiring the deployment of more equipment and personnel. Firefighters collaborated with several other agencies including Boulder Police, American Medical Response, Louisville Fire, and Lafayette Fire, which provided a specialized fire blanket for electric vehicles. Crews worked for several hours to control the fire and ventilate the house, which was filled with smoke. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. According to StachedD[5] the fire was caused by moisture penetrating the battery.
A Tesla Model 3 caught fire on a highway in Illinois.
17.03.2024
US
Battery
9
Tesla Model 3
Water
A Tesla driving north on Illinois Route 255 in Bethalto, Illinois, USA caught fire while in motion. The occupants pulled over and safely exited the vehicle. The incident occurred around noon and prompted a large-scale fire department response that closed the northbound lanes for nearly three hours. Fire departments from Behalto, Meadowbrook, Rosewood Heights, and a tanker truck from Holiday Shores were called to the scene. Due to contaminated water runoff and toxic fumes, the incident also required the intervention of a HAZMAT special team for handling hazardous materials. Firefighters at the scene stated that the vehicle caught fire while driving due to a thermal runaway battery event.[1]
First fire of a Nissan ARIYA electric vehicle
15.03.2024
US
Other (non-battery)
24
Nissan ARIYA 2024
Water
The volunteer fire department Lincoln Fire Protection District was called to a fire in a new electric vehicle in the city of Charleston, Illinois, USA. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle full of smoke inside with a bulging windshield. They called for a mechanic, a specialist in this model EV. They safely disconnected the main lithium battery and secured the vehicle. There were no injuries during the incident. evft perspective It is unclear what circumstances led to the fire or its exact cause. The fire originated in the space behind the dashboard and was definitely not caused by the traction battery.[2] Based on available photographs [1] and identification of the vehicle owner [2][3], we determined that it is a 2024 Nissan ARIYA.
Fire at a scrapyard in Rochford involving eight cars
13.03.2024
GB
Unknown
7
Unknown
Water
In the evening hours, a large fire broke out at a scrapyard near Brickfields Way in Rochford, Great Britain, involving eight cars. Three fire crews were called to the scene, from Rochford, Southend and Leigh. The fire was brought under control and prevented from spreading to surrounding areas. An investigation determined that the cause of the fire was a malfunction on an electric vehicle that had been scrapped and taken to the scrapyard. evft perspective According to the official incident report from the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the cause of the fire was accidental, without any foul play involved. It was a fire involving a group of vehicles intended for scrapping, and according to CCTV (security camera) footage, it started in an electric vehicle that spontaneously combusted. The specific type of electric vehicle that caused the fire is unknown.
Fire in a hybrid Audi Q8 e-tron garage in a residential building in New Jersey
08.03.2024
US
Unknown
6
Audi Q8 e-tron
Water
A fire broke out in a hybrid Audi Q8 e-tron parked in the six-story parking garage The Wolcott on Main Street[1]. Firefighters worked at the scene for approximately 7 hours until the vehicle was completely extinguished and safely removed from under the apartments. One firefighter was injured and treated at Hackensack University Medical Center[2].
A garage fire in Surprise, Arizona, involved a hybrid vehicle
05.03.2024
US
Unknown
128
Unknown HEV
Water / Fire blanket
In the evening hours of March 5th, 2024, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home in Surprise, Arizona, USA. The garage contained a hybrid vehicle which was involved in the incident. The fire quickly spread to the attic and other parts of the house, requiring a massive response from firefighting units. Units from Surprise Fire & Medical Department and El Mirage Fire Department arrived at the scene. After assessing the situation, the operation was declared defensive as the garage was already fully engulfed in flames. Due to potential risks associated with the hybrid vehicle, hazardous materials teams were also called in. Air quality monitoring was conducted throughout the operation to prevent further hazards. Firefighters used thousands of liters of water to extinguish the blaze and deployed a special fire-retardant blanket for the first time. The homeowner promptly informed emergency services about the presence of the hybrid vehicle in the garage, allowing firefighters to better prepare for the incident. All residents of the house evacuated safely during the incident and there were no reported injuries. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known and remains under investigation.
Investigation into a charging station fire
03.03.2024
US
Unknown
40
Tesla Model X
-
At the corner of Caton and Saint Bernard streets in New Orleans, USA, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model X that was parked next to an electric vehicle charging station[1][2]. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 3:00 am and no one was found near the vehicle upon their arrival. The Tesla was completely destroyed by the fire and another car parked behind it was also damaged. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, which also involves Entergy, the owner of the charging station[2].
A Volkswagen ID.3 caught fire near Miloslavov, not far from Bratislava.
01.03.2024
SK
Vandalism
5
Volkswagen ID.3
Water / Container
V Miloslavove near Bratislava, a fire broke out in a Volkswagen ID.3 electric vehicle, which also damaged nearby buildings. The car's battery was not damaged, however, a special container for electric vehicles[1] was also used to extinguish the vehicle. The originally suspected short circuit caused by increased contact resistance ultimately turned out to be an intentional act. Video footage revealed that an unknown perpetrator set the car on fire[2]. **evft perspective:** One of the first electric vehicle fires in Slovakia, which was not caused by a vehicle malfunction but arson[2].
Fires of two Teslas
24.02.2024
US
Vandalism
19
Tesla Model Y 2020
Tesla Model Y
-
On the night of February 24, 2024, in the SOMA (South of Market) district of San Francisco, two fires involving Tesla Model Y electric vehicles occurred. The first incident was reported a few minutes after midnight on Bonifacio Street. The second incident took place shortly thereafter (0:45 am), just one block away, on Shipley Street. Both vehicles were parked outside on the street and were not charging. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fires as the flames primarily affected the interiors rather than the lithium-ion batteries. After being extinguished, the vehicles were towed away. The fire involving the vehicle on Shipley Street also damaged a Hyundai vehicle parked next to it. According to camera footage, the incidents were intentional acts of arson. As shown in the recording of the second incident[1], the perpetrator placed papers on the front tire of a white Tesla, ignited them, and left the scene. A few minutes later, flames engulfed the front of the vehicle. The San Francisco Police Department confirmed that they have arrested a suspect in the case.[3]
An electric Volvo C40 Recharge SUV caught fire on a highway in India.
29.01.2024
IN
Battery
18
Volvo C40 Recharge 2023
-
On a highway in Chhattisgarh, India, an electric Volvo C40 Recharge SUV caught fire while driving. All passengers, including the owner, managed to escape before the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire remains unknown and an investigation is underway[1]. evft perspective This case has become widely known and discussed online due to concerns about EV safety, but only information about the fire's origin[1], videos of the fire starting[4][5], and Volvo India's initial statement[2] are available. In this statement, the company claims that the incident will be thoroughly investigated. No further update regarding the investigation has been released. The burning primarily occurred in the area where the battery is located, and crackling sounds were heard at the beginning of the fire. Based on these facts, we believe the battery was the cause of the fire.
A charging cable fault caused a fire in a BYD electric vehicle.
25.01.2024
CN
Electronics
17
BYD ATTO 3
Water
A fire broke out in the evening hours at a Speed+ electric vehicle charging station located in the Kowloon Bay district of Hong Kong. A 53-year-old driver heard an explosion coming from her vehicle, which was charging at the fast-charging station. She quickly exited the vehicle and called the fire department. Flames began to shoot out from the front of the car. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire upon arrival. No evacuation procedures were necessary, and no injuries were reported. The electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, based on an on-site assessment, determined the incident to be a short circuit in the onboard charger.[3]
Fire in a Jaguar I-PACE in the garage of a family home
11.01.2024
US
Battery
3
Jaguar I-Pace 2019
Water / Fire blanket
On S. Mobile St. in Centennial, Colorado, USA, on January 1st, 2024, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home involving a Jaguar I-Pace vehicle. In the early morning hours, smoke alarms activated in the house, alerting the residents that their electric vehicle was engulfed in smoke. They then called the fire department. Upon arrival, firefighters observed visible flames coming from behind the garage door. They brought the fire under control and moved the vehicle onto the driveway to prevent it from spreading to the living areas. Another vehicle (a plug-in hybrid) was also present in the garage and sustained damage. Fire blankets were used on both vehicles, which were then towed to a safe location where they remained until the smoldering car cooled down. Investigators determined that the vehicle involved was a 2019 model and was charging at the time of the incident[1]. evft perspective Recall campaigns were conducted in 2023 for Jaguar I-Pace vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2024 due to the risk of battery overheating[2].
After being parked, the vehicle suddenly caught fire in Hollywood Hills.
11.01.2024
US
Unknown
118
BMW i3
Water
Firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department were called to an electric vehicle fire in Hollywood Hills on Mount Olympus Drive, Los Angeles, USA. The car caught fire shortly after the driver parked and left the vehicle. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to surrounding vegetation and threatening a nearby house. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and protect the house, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. A Hazmat (Squad 95) team was also called to the scene due to leaks of hazardous materials from the electric vehicle. The cause of the fire is unknown. evft perspective Although the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, given the extent of the fire it is highly likely that the battery was the cause. This assumption is based on the fact that electric vehicle batteries can, when damaged or overheated, lead to intense fires that spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish. The fact that the car was completely destroyed is a typical sign of fires caused by batteries.
Fire of an electric Jeep Wrangler 4xe plugged into a charging station
08.01.2024
US
Battery
13
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Water / Powder extinguisher
The Moon Run Volunteer Fire Company was called to a smoking Jeep Wrangler 4xe electric vehicle in Robinsom Township, USA. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle plugged into a charging station. After securing the power supply, firefighters extinguished the visible fire and conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Battery damage was confirmed. The Wrangler 4xe has an access panel for battery firefighting located under the rear seat[5], which firefighters utilized. After more than an hour of continuous cooling by flooding the battery with water, units were able to conclude their intervention. evft perspective MY Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles from 2021-2023 have been recalled due to a high-voltage battery defect [2].
A fire broke out in an electric Mercedes Benz EQB at a car dealership during charging.
31.12.2023
MY
External
8
Mercedes-Benz EQB 2023
Water
A fire broke out at a Mercedes-Benz car showroom in Johor Baru, Malaysia during the charging of an electric vehicle. The Mercedes Benz EQB model was destroyed by approximately 90%, the structure of the showroom was damaged by 5% and the charging station by 20%[1]. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire within 45 minutes. The Larkin Fire and Rescue Station operation commander Azmi Johar stated that it is highly likely that the fire did not originate from the electric vehicle's battery, but rather from a non-battery source which subsequently escalated into a battery fire due to the battery being in close proximity to the ignition source[2]. Subsequently, a few weeks after the fire, it was revealed publicly that the company operating the used EV charging station did not have the necessary licenses from the energy commission[5]. Whether this directly caused the fire is subject to further investigation.
Fire of an MG ZS EV in Nepal
25.12.2023
NP
Electronics
183
MG ZS EV
-
On December 25th, 2023, a fire broke out in an MG ZS EV electric vehicle that was parked and charging at a residence in the Budhanilkantha area of Kathmandu, Nepal. The vehicle owner stated that he plugged in the car for charging at 6:00 PM, with the fire erupting around 1:00 AM. There were no injuries during the incident, and because the vehicle was parked outdoors, the fire was contained to the vehicle itself, preventing further damage to surrounding property. Firefighters and police from Budhanilkantha arrived at the scene and confirmed that the fire occurred during charging. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined and the case remains under investigation. According to the vehicle owner, a short circuit was not the cause of the fire, but the exact cause is unknown. The owner remained in contact with Paramount Motors Pvt. Ltd., the official MG distributor in Nepal, and the company sent technicians to the incident site to investigate the matter. Following an initial investigation, Paramount Motors stated that the fire likely originated from a short circuit in the electrical wiring that was run from the house to the vehicle during charging. The company stated in its report that the vehicle showed no signs of mechanism failure or battery damage. evft perspective Based on the available information and photos from the incident, we tend to agree with Paramount Motors' statement that the source of the fire could have been a short circuit in the electrical wiring. The fire was concentrated mainly in the front of the vehicle, where the charging cable access point is located, as well as the 12V battery, which is another potential source of short circuiting. Photos suggest that the underside of the vehicle, where the traction battery is located, remained intact. This supports the theory that the fire was not related to the main battery system but rather a problem with the vehicle's electronics or the charging equipment. Recorded reports [2] also suggest that vehicles intended for the Nepali market may contain lower quality materials and components, which could explain the failure of the electrical wiring during charging. If an unsuitable cable or charging system was used, it could have led to overheating of the conductor and subsequent burning of the insulation, resulting in a short circuit and fire.
Tesla Model Y Fire
15.11.2023
NL
Battery
114
Tesla Model Y
Water / Container
On November 14th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Tesla electric vehicle while driving on Bunschoterweg between the towns of Bunschoten and Nijkerk in the Netherlands. The incident occurred around 8:50 PM when smoke began to emerge from the vehicle, followed by flames. Firefighters were called to the scene and extinguished the blaze. During the operation, thick smoke billowed from the vehicle, causing a temporary closure of the road and traffic restrictions. A rescue team with a specialized submersion container was summoned to safely remove the vehicle. The container ensured thorough cooling of the battery and minimized the risk of reignition. After loading the Tesla into the container, the road was reopened. All passengers in the Tesla managed to evacuate the vehicle safely and there were no reported injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is under further investigation.
Fire of a Jaguar I-Pace in an underground garage in Munich
14.11.2023
DE
Unknown
235
Jaguar I-Pace
Water
On November 14th, 2023 at 3:30 PM, a fire broke out in an underground garage on Occamstraße street in the Munich district of Schwabing, involving an electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicle that was connected to a charging station. According to witnesses and police, a loud explosion preceded the fire, after which thick smoke and flames began rising from the area of the charging station and the rear of the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle, a 37-year-old garage operator, reacted immediately, activated the emergency shutdown of the charging station, and warned those present to evacuate to a safe location. Firefighters arrived shortly after being alerted and used two C-jets to quickly extinguish the fire. Subsequently, they deployed several high-performance fans to remove the thick smoke from the garage and allow for safe movement of the responding units. The fire resulted in the total destruction of the Jaguar I-Pace vehicle, while 29 other cars in the garage were damaged by heat and soot. Police estimate the total damage to be several hundred thousand euros. Six people were treated at the scene for minor health complications, with one person hospitalized for suspected smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The local criminal department is analyzing both the vehicle and the charging station to determine what caused the fire.
Electric vehicle fire on a forest road
08.11.2023
PL
Unknown
249
Volkswagen ID.5
Water
On a forest road in the Polish village of Poddębie (Legionowo district), a fire broke out on November 8th, 2023, involving a Volkswagen electric vehicle. The fire started shortly after 6:00 AM, and by the time firefighters arrived, a significant portion of the vehicle was already engulfed in flames. However, thanks to a rapid response, the fire did not spread to the engine compartment or the battery. According to information from the District Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Legionowo, the source of the fire was located in the rear of the vehicle, and no one was injured during the incident. evft perspective Available photographs clearly show a fire in the rear of the electric vehicle, where the charging port is also located. While official information is currently unavailable regarding whether the vehicle was charging at the time of the incident, one of the published photographs shows a cable running along the vehicle towards this area. This fact may suggest that the vehicle could have been connected to charging during the incident. Further investigation will reveal the exact circumstances of the fire.
Fire with explosion of a Renault Zoe
20.10.2023
IT
Battery
212
Renault Zoe
-
A viral video [2][3] has surfaced on social media capturing a fire involving an electric Renault Zoe. The footage shows thick smoke emanating from the vehicle parked in a parking lot. Shortly after, an explosion occurs, followed by visible flames engulfing the entire car. No other vehicles appear to be in close proximity at the time of the incident. Further details about the event have not yet been released. evft perspective Based on the sequence of events captured in the video (gas/smoke leak - explosion - visible fire), we suspect that damage to the vehicle's traction battery and its thermal runaway may have occurred. However, the actual initiator of the fire remains unknown.
Vehicle fire at a fitness center
17.10.2023
GB
Battery
227
Jaguar I-Pace 2019
Water
In the English town of Newton-le-Willows, a fire broke out in an electric vehicle parked at a fitness center parking lot. The vehicle was parked at a charging station where it was being charged. Firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 2 am. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle and charging station severely damaged. They used a hose reel and one main jet of water to extinguish the fire. The operation took approximately an hour and a half. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, but indications suggest it may have originated during the vehicle's charging process. evft perspective According to available information, the vehicle was a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. Vehicles from this period are known to have been subject to recall actions due to problems with the traction battery on several occasions. It is unclear whether this particular vehicle suffered from this problem, but it cannot be ruled out.
An electric Mahindra e2o vehicle caught fire on the streets of Bengaluru
01.10.2023
IN
Unknown
124
Mahindra e2o
Water
An electric Mahindra e2o vehicle caught fire on October 1st, 2023 in the Dalmia Circle area of Bengaluru, India. Available videos capture part of the incident, showing the fire already engulfing the entire vehicle with intense flames accompanied by thick black smoke rising high into the air. The vehicle was parked on the road at the time of the fire. The first responder was a local police officer who attempted to keep onlookers at a safe distance from the burning car. According to available information, there were no injuries reported during the incident. The exact cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.
Fire involving a Kia EV6 electric vehicle in a garage
20.09.2023
PL
Other (non-battery)
244
Kia EV6
Water
On September 20, 2023, a fire broke out in the village of Borzechów in Poland, where an electric vehicle of the Kia brand caught fire in the garage of a family home. The incident began around 4:10 PM, while the car was connected to a charger. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already spread and damaged the garage itself. After partially extinguishing it, the electric vehicle was pulled out using a winch, where firefighters continued to extinguish the flames. The total operation lasted 3 hours and 14 minutes. The flames mainly affected the interior of the vehicle and the garage equipment, while the traction battery itself was not damaged. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident. evft perspective The fire also significantly affected the area where the electric vehicle's charging port is located. However, it is not possible to confirm with certainty from the photos whether the charging port or the charging process directly contributed to its outbreak. The exact cause of the incident is under investigation, but a comment on the incident suggests that it may have been due to a incorrectly installed wallbox.
Fire of a disconnected lithium-ion battery at Sydney Airport
11.09.2023
AU
External
4
MG ZS EV
Water
On the evening of September 11, 2023, a fire occurred at the Airport Drive car park of Mascot Airport in Sydney, destroying five vehicles. The incident was caused by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery that had been removed from an MG ZS EV electric vehicle and placed on the ground next to the car because it was suspected to be damaged. The fire broke out around 8:30 PM, engulfing the electric car and subsequently spreading to four other gasoline-powered vehicles - a Toyota Corolla, Renault Koleos, Volkswagen Passat, and MG HS.[3] Units from FRNSW (Fire and Rescue New South Wales) and Aviation Rescue Firefighting Service responded quickly and extinguished the fire.[1] According to a spokesperson for MG Australia, the vehicle belonged to a customer and its battery was already damaged. The battery was not in the car at the time of the incident. The vehicle was stored at the airport car park and was not drivable. MG Australia described this incident as isolated and is cooperating with FRNSW investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding this unusual fire.[3] evft perspective It is likely that the vehicle belonged to a car rental company which decided to remove the battery.[7] However, it is unclear whether this step was carried out correctly and in accordance with safety regulations. After removal, the battery was placed on the ground next to the vehicle, either intentionally or accidentally. As a result of the battery being exposed to various weather conditions and temperature changes for several days, it became damaged, leading to thermal runaway and subsequently the fire. This incident is also serious because it occurred near the airport control tower[7], which could have posed a significant safety risk to air traffic.
Tesla Model 3 engulfed in flames after colliding with debris from a truck on the road
11.09.2023
AU
Traffic accident
158
Tesla Model 3
Water
On a road in Pernose near Goulburn in the state of New South Wales, Australia, a Tesla Model 3 caught fire. The driver hit an 18kg steel driveshaft debris from a truck driving ahead while driving. The occupants of the vehicle were able to stop safely and evacuate the vehicle. The impact caused significant damage to the battery and its subsequent thermal runaway, which led to the fire, as confirmed by the investigation[3][5]. It took the Penrose Rural Fire Brigade fire department more than half an hour to extinguish the fire. Tesla donated this vehicle to EV Fire Safe, an Australian organization that investigates the fire safety of electric vehicles. evft perspective The Tesla Model 3 is delivered with either NMCA or LFP batteries. The extent of the damage was so significant that it is assumed that thermal runaway would have occurred with both types of battery cells.
Fire of a Nissan Leaf during charging at Nissan North America headquarters
05.09.2023
US
Battery
71
Nissan LEAF
Water
On September 5th, 2023, a fire broke out in an electric Nissan Leaf vehicle parked at the Nissan North America headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, USA. The incident occurred during the afternoon while the vehicle was connected to a DC Level 3 fast-charging station. According to a statement from the Franklin Fire Department, a battery cell overheated and entered thermal runaway, subsequently causing the fire. Multiple fire units responded to the scene, and the operation lasted approximately five hours. During this time, various approaches were considered, including using sand to insulate the battery. Ultimately, it was decided to proceed with water cooling, which proved to be the most effective solution. Firefighters consumed approximately 170,000 liters of water to fully extinguish the fire and stop the battery's thermal runaway. The flames were contained without damaging surrounding vehicles or the charging station itself. No injuries were reported during the incident. Nissan stated that it has launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. evft perspective This incident highlights how external and overhead battery cooling can be ineffective. We believe that applying water from below the battery or using a system like Cobra would have significantly reduced the time and amount of water required.
BYD Atto 3 caught fire while charging in Thailand
03.09.2023
TH
Other (non-battery)
23
BYD ATTO 3 2023
Water / Powder extinguisher
A fire occurred in a new BYD ATTO3 electric vehicle outside a shopping mall in Udon Thani, Thailand. The owner had plugged his vehicle into a public fast-charging station with a 10% battery charge. The driver remained in the car while his family went shopping. When the battery reached 50% charge, he noticed smoke rising from under the hood. The fire originated at the front of the vehicle, where critical components such as the inverter and high-voltage cables are located. With the help of shopping mall staff, a dry chemical fire extinguisher was used on the vehicle, and firefighters were called. Upon arrival, firefighters found evidence of burning on the thermal insulation. They disconnected the battery and began spraying water. A team of engineers from BYD was dispatched to investigate the circumstances of the incident. Initially reported as a fire, the incident primarily involved the release of a large amount of smoke. There was minor damage to the engine compartment, which firefighters quickly extinguished [4]. Investigators from BYD Rever determined that the cause of the incident was damage to a cable connected to the 12V low-voltage battery. "The damage created heat that burned through an adjacent air conditioning tube, causing refrigerant to leak. The smoke was caused by the reaction of the refrigerant with the heat, but there were no flames. We will continue to investigate all systems of the car to ensure that the smoke has no impact on them." - BYD Rever [2]
Fire of two electric vehicles in La Habra, California
08.08.2023
US
Battery
85
Tesla Model 3
Unknown
Water
On August 8th, 2023, a fire involving two electric vehicles parked in the driveway of a family home on Greenbrier Lane in La Habra, California, was reported shortly before 2:30 am. Upon arrival, firefighters found both vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Quick action prevented the fire from spreading to the garage and the house. The residents were home during the incident but evacuated safely. There were no injuries reported. Both vehicles, an electric pickup truck and a Tesla, were plugged into charging stations at the time of the fire. Preliminary information suggests that the fire likely originated in the electric pickup truck and then spread to the adjacent Tesla. A video [2] from the scene shows the extent of the damage caused by the incident. Police and fire officials have not found any evidence of criminal activity or arson. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Fire in Wareham
05.08.2023
GB
Unknown
231
Chevy Bolt 2020
Water
On August 5th, 2023, at approximately 4:15 AM, a fire broke out in a Chevrolet Bolt EV on a driveway next to a family home on Great Hill Estates street in Wareham, Massachusetts, USA. The fire was reported after witnesses noticed flames coming from the vehicle. Firefighters from the Wareham Fire Department arrived at the scene and observed several risks associated with the proximity of the house and other structures. After the initial extinguishing of the fire, it reignited approximately 30 minutes later, requiring further firefighting efforts. It took over three hours and more than 11,000 gallons (approximately 41,600 liters) of water to completely extinguish the blaze. The vehicle was equipped with a battery that was subject to a General Motors recall in 2021 due to the risk of spontaneous combustion. The owner confirmed that his vehicle was part of this recall, but he was unable to secure a battery replacement due to the unavailability of necessary parts and service appointments. Investigators determined that the fire started spontaneously as the vehicle was fully charged and not in operation at the time of ignition. There were no injuries reported during the incident. Incident Commander John Kelley emphasized that if the vehicle had been parked in a garage, the consequences could have been much more severe. He also added that firefighters in the area have undergone specialized training to handle electric vehicle fires and used a special nozzle that directed the water stream directly onto the battery module. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Fire of a Tesla Model S at a scrapyard in California
02.08.2023
US
Submersion
226
Tesla Model S 2018
Water
On August 2nd, 2023, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle at a luxury car junkyard in Rancho Cordova, California, USA. The vehicle, which had been decommissioned due to flooding during a hurricane in Florida, spontaneously combusted almost three months after being stored at the facility. According to junkyard workers, the car was not being charged or handled when smoke began rising from its battery module and the fire quickly spread. The vehicle was surrounded by luxury brands such as Bentley, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, posing a high risk of the fire spreading to other cars. Firefighters from Metro Fire of Sacramento arrived shortly after the incident was reported and began extinguishing the blaze. They used a forklift to lift the Tesla to gain access to the battery module and effectively extinguish the flames. Thanks to their quick response, they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding vehicles, saving millions of dollars worth of automobiles. The fire was not caused by any external interference or circumstances at the junkyard. The cause is attributed to damage to the battery module as a result of the flooding. No injuries were reported during the incident. Tesla has not yet commented on the case.
The electric Jaguar ignited while driving.
24.07.2023
PL
Other (non-battery)
245
Jaguar I-Pace
Water
On Monday, July 24, 2023, in the evening hours, a fire occurred involving an electric vehicle Jaguar I-Pace in the village of Radawczyk Kolonia in Poland. The incident took place on a local road leading to the town of Radawca Dużego. According to available information, the driver noticed smoke coming from the car while driving, so he immediately stopped. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Upon arrival of the emergency services, the fire was already significantly widespread. Firefighters secured the scene, deployed a water jet on the burning car, and simultaneously intensively cooled the battery located in the floor. The road remained completely impassable for several hours. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or fatalities[1][2][3]. evft perspective The burned vehicle was a Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle. Interestingly, in May 2023, a recall campaign was conducted for this very model due to the risk of overheating the high-voltage battery [4]. LG Energy Solution is the battery supplier for Jaguar I-Pace vehicles and has faced similar problems with other brands in the past, such as the Chevy Bolt EV [5]. Despite the existing recall campaign concerning the traction battery, we believe it was not related to this specific fire. Photographs from the scene clearly show that the fire broke out in the front of the vehicle, while the traction battery remained undamaged.
Fire in a Dacia Spring at Avram Iancu Airport in Cluj, Romania
22.07.2023
RO
Electronics
10
Dacia Spring 2022
Water / Foam
At Avram Iancu Airport in Cluj, Romania, during the night an electric Dacia Spring vehicle belonging to airport security started burning. According to information provided by the intervening fire department, the fire broke out in the rear of the vehicle, specifically in the battery area. Firefighters from station 1 Cluj-Napoca and firefighters from the private emergency services at Avram Iancu Airport intervened at the scene. Special equipment was used to cool and extinguish the batteries, which required access to the batteries through a special opening under the rear seat. The fire was extinguished quickly and without problems. However, the vehicle was almost completely destroyed by the fire, with the most significant damage in the rear.
Self-ignition of a Tesla X in Frankfurt
19.07.2023
DE
Battery
1
Tesla Model X
Water / Foam
From Frankfurt there was a spontaneous combustion of a Tesla X parked after a night shift for a taxi service, which triggered a fire that spread to a neighboring vehicle. The incident, which occurred without any apparent external intervention or prior accident, is under investigation, with preliminary police findings ruling out intentional sabotage or criminal activity [1]. evft perspective Photos [1] and video [2] taken at the beginning of the incident clearly show that the front part of the vehicle was mainly on fire. From this fact, we can assume that the fire started in the front of the electric car and only then spread to the battery, as it is located according to the ERG document approximately in the middle of the undercarriage, under the seats [4]. A battery fire is accompanied by loud cracking, which was also present in this incident. It was only after these loud bangs that the incident was noticed, as most residents were asleep during these early morning hours. The assumption that the fire started at the front of the car is also confirmed by source [3].
A borrowed Mercedes EQE350+ caught fire.
19.07.2023
US
Battery
86
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ 2023
Water
In the town of Nocatee, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home where a 2023 Mercedes EQE350+ loaner was parked. The homeowner first heard hissing and crackling sounds. When he checked the house, he found the garage full of smoke, after which everything caught fire and exploded[1][3][4]. The homeowner managed to escape the burning house in time, and no one was injured. Firefighters from St. Johns County quickly extinguished the fire, and the cause is under investigation[1][4]. evft perspective While the exact cause of this incident is being investigated, the sequence of events suggests that a thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery may have occurred. It's also worth noting that the 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 is subject to a recall due to a fault in the battery warning system. This error could prevent the driver from receiving an alert in case of a battery problem[1][5].
Fire of an electric Porsche Taycan in Bamberg
18.07.2023
DE
Battery
82
Porsche Taycan
Water / Container
On July 18th, 2023, a fire broke out in an electric Porsche Taycan on the outdoor parking lot of a Porsche center in the German city of Bamberg. The incident occurred in the early morning hours when passersby noticed heavy smoke and subsequently flames coming from the vehicle, which was connected to a charging station. The vehicle caught fire at its lower part, with flames spreading to the interior as well. After being alerted through emergency services, firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the burning vehicle using water. They also prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vehicles and the service building. A Porsche technician was called to the scene to disconnect the vehicle from the electrical system, but the car could not be saved. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters loaded the vehicle onto a tow truck and transported it to a designated area. There, the vehicle was submerged in a water tank to eliminate the risk of battery reignition. No injuries were reported during the incident, but the fire caused an estimated damage of around €100,000. Neither the police nor the firefighters found any signs of external foul play, and the investigation was closed. According to the police, the cause of the fire was a technical malfunction in the vehicle's battery system.
Tesla Y Fire in London
16.07.2023
GB
Vandalism
2
Tesla Model Y
Water
A Tesla Model Y caught fire on Perth Road in Ilford, North London. A witness heard cracking sounds from his house and saw black smoke and flames coming from the car. He didn't see anything in the vicinity that could have caused the fire and believes it was a case of spontaneous combustion [1]. Police and three fire engines attended the scene. According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police, on Sunday morning, July 16th, they received a report of a car theft in Ilford which was later found on Perth Road, Ilford. The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot and the vehicle was engulfed in flames [2][3]. evft perspective Based on the police spokesperson's statement [2][3], we believe this to be an intentional act of arson by perpetrators who first stole the vehicle. Stolen vehicles often end up being set on fire if they become a liability.
A Lucid Air Pure spontaneously combusted during a demonstration event in Longwood
10.06.2023
US
Other (non-battery)
68
Lucid Air Pure 2022
Water
On June 10th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Lucid Air Pure electric vehicle during a presentation event in Longwood, Florida, USA. The incident occurred in the morning hours while the vehicle was parked and not connected to a charger. Eyewitnesses reported smelling an odor similar to burning brakes shortly before the fire, after which smoke began emanating from the front of the car. The smoke quickly turned into flames that engulfed the front portion of the vehicle. Two fire units arrived at the scene and swiftly contained and extinguished the blaze. Their prompt action prevented further spread of the fire and protected other vehicles and structures in the vicinity. There were no reported injuries or damage to surrounding buildings during the incident. Lucid Motors has initiated a technical investigation, and preliminary findings suggest that the fire did not involve the high-voltage traction battery located in the vehicle's floor. The exact cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, but speculation points towards a possible malfunction in the vehicle's 12-volt system.
Fire of a Renault Zoe electric car in the town of Appy
09.06.2023
FR
Other (non-battery)
221
Renault Zoe 2020
Water
On June 9th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Renault Zoé electric vehicle parked and charging at a charging station in the village of Appy in the department of Ariège, France. Appy, a small village in the Pyrenees, became part of a unique Renault project in July 2020 aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles in remote areas. Renault loaned 11 Renault Zoé vehicles to local residents for a period of three years to demonstrate that transitioning to electric mobility is possible even in challenging conditions. The project was considered successful until it was overshadowed by an unexpected incident. The fire occurred shortly after 1:00 am when one of the vehicles caught fire while charging. Flames quickly engulfed the entire car and also damaged the only charging station in the village, which had been installed by Renault. Firefighters arrived on the scene and immediately intervened to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. Despite their efforts, the vehicle was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire is not yet known. According to preliminary findings from a Renault expert investigation, no technical malfunction was found in the vehicle or the charging station. evft perspective The Renault Zoé is one of the few types of electric vehicles that allows charging at a speed of up to 22 kW through an onboard charger integrated into the vehicle's motor. Based on available photographs from the incident site, where snow can be seen under the vehicle without any signs of melting, it can be assumed that the fire affected parts of the vehicle above the battery. Based on experience with similar cases, a typical cause of such a fire is either an electrical fault or a malfunction in the electronics at the front of the vehicle.
Fire of a Rivian electric pickup truck during charging
05.06.2023
US
Other (non-battery)
205
Rivian R1T 2022
Water
On June 5th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Rivian R1T electric pickup truck at an Electrify America charging station in Mill Valley, California. The vehicle caught fire during charging, in the front of the vehicle, in the area of the high-speed charger connector, on the driver's side. The local fire department, Southern Marin Fire Department, responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the incident. The flames were concentrated mainly in the front of the vehicle, causing visible damage to the hood and windshield. Based on available information and photographs, it appears that the high-voltage battery system was not directly involved in the incident, reducing the likelihood that the fire originated from a battery fault. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and both Rivian and Electrify America have confirmed that they are continuing to cooperate with investigating authorities. evft perspective Available sources indicate that the fire occurred in the area of the connector during fast charging of the vehicle. Given the high currents of hundreds of amps flowing through it, a low-probability situation could arise where, due to higher resistance (dirt, wear and tear, manufacturing defect,...), the connector could overheat and cause a fire.
An explosion occurred in Lahti involving an electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz car.
03.06.2023
FI
Battery (explosion)
80
Volkswagen ID. Buzz 2022
Water / Sprinkler / Container
On June 3rd, 2023, an explosion occurred in the underground parking garage Toripark in the city of Lahti, Finland, involving an electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz vehicle. The vehicle, which was connected to a charging station at the time of the incident, was a shared rental car operated by City-Yhteisautot Oy from Lahti. The explosion caused heavy smoke, activating the sprinkler system of the parking garage; however, an open fire was not reported. Firefighters who arrived on the scene found that the vehicle's high-voltage battery did not appear to be visibly damaged, although the windows were broken and the bodywork was damaged. The explosion did not cause any injuries or damage to other vehicles. The vehicle was subsequently towed out of the underground garage and placed in an open area due to the risk of reignition. Three days later, on June 6th, 2023, the vehicle spontaneously combusted and burned completely [7][8]. The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains under investigation. Police are looking into various possible causes, including a technical malfunction in the charging system, but specific conclusions from the investigation have not been released. Due to the extensive damage to the vehicle, the possibilities for analyzing the cause were limited. evft perspective This type of incident occurs in about 4% of cases and we believe that in this case it was a slow temperature rise of the battery. Apparently, at a temperature around 70C or higher, when the SEI layer of the battery starts to break down, flammable gases (such as H2) are released, which accumulated in the cabin of the vehicle and caused an explosion at some point. This explosion, or subsequent cooling by sprinklers, dampened the reaction, but it reappeared after 3 days.
Fire of an electric Ford Mustang Mach-E at a gas station in Gdansk
28.05.2023
PL
Battery
218
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Water
On May 28th, 2023, a fire broke out at the Orlen gas station on Generála Józefa Hallera Street in Gdańsk, Poland, where a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle caught fire. The incident occurred shortly after 4 PM when the vehicle's owner noticed smoke coming from the car. He exited the vehicle before it ignited and called for help. Five firefighting units arrived at the scene, immediately closed off the gas station, established a safety perimeter, and began extinguishing the fire. The fire was extinguished by using a large amount of water, followed by cooling down the battery. This process took approximately an hour and a half until its temperature dropped below 30°C and stopped rising. After cooling, the electric vehicle was moved away from the gas station to a safe location, about 5 meters away from other vehicles. Firefighters remained on site until 9:30 PM to monitor the battery's condition and ensure that there would be no re-ignition. No one was injured during the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed, but it is suspected that the fire originated in the battery area. This incident is the second recorded case of an electric vehicle fire in Poland.
Tesla Fire After Crashing into a Family Home's Veranda
26.05.2023
US
Traffic accident
141
Tesla Model S
Foam
In the city of Groveland, Florida, a Tesla Model S was involved in a traffic accident. The driver lost control of the vehicle and at high speed, nearly 160 km/h, crashed through two fences and collided with the concrete foundations of the back porch of a family home. The vehicle caught fire after the impact. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and prevented it from spreading to the house. The Tesla driver was taken to the hospital, where he was later released, with no further injuries reported. evft perspective The strong impact caused significant damage and a subsequent fire in the front of the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the battery is electrically disconnected from the rest of the vehicle by pyrotechnic fuses, so it remained undamaged and there was no thermal runaway.
Fire in Dacia Spring after a ride in western Romania
11.05.2023
RO
Unknown
11
Dacia Spring 2021
Water / Cobra
The owner of an electric Dacia Spring car described on social media an incident experienced by his wife while driving their children. During the drive, they heard a loud cracking sound and saw thick smoke coming from their vehicle. After driving 300 meters and parking at their home, the car caught fire and was completely destroyed within 15 minutes[1]. Firefighters who were called to the scene stated that the probable cause of the fire was an electrical short circuit[2]. No one was injured. An official statement from Renault Commercial Romania S.R.L. indicated that a preliminary non-invasive visual inspection of the vehicle revealed a buildup of pressurized gases in the traction battery. This led to their expansion outwards, between two protective metal covers, and generated visible flames from the outside. The epicenter of the fire was located in the area of the traction battery[4].
Fire in a Jaguar I-Pace in Prague
04.05.2023
CZ
Battery
14
Jaguar I-Pace
Water / Container / Cobra
In Praha firefighters intervened in a fire of a Jaguar I-PACE electric car in the underground garages of an administrative building, which broke out on May 4, 2023 before midnight. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and COBRA equipment. After extinguishing the fire, they continued to cool the battery and transported the vehicle to a special cooling container. The probable cause of the fire was a technical malfunction and the damage was estimated at one million Czech crowns[1].
Fire in a Waymo warehouse in Phoenix involving an electric vehicle
02.05.2023
US
Unknown
196
Jaguar I-Pace
Sprinkler / Container
On the morning of May 2nd, 2023, a fire broke out in a Waymo-modified Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle designed for autonomous driving. The incident occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, at a warehouse located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Buckeye Road. This warehouse is used by Waymo for parking, as well as processing and downloading data from its autonomous vehicles collected during their drives. After the fire ignited, the sprinkler system in the warehouse activated, which significantly helped prevent the flames from spreading to other vehicles. Over 60 firefighters responded to the scene, including HAZMAT teams. Following initial extinguishment, the vehicle was moved outside and placed into a container where it was covered with wet sand to prevent re-ignition. The vehicle remained in the container until it was fully extinguished and transported to a recycling facility for electric vehicles. This procedure is part of a new strategy implemented by the Phoenix Fire Department for handling electric vehicle fires. There were no injuries during the incident. All employees safely evacuated before the firefighters arrived. The fire extinguished itself within a week, with firefighters confirming that the vehicle no longer posed a risk of reignition.
An electric Tata Nexon caught fire in the city of Pune
16.04.2023
IN
Other (non-battery)
64
Tata Nexon
Foam
On April 16th, 2024, a fire broke out in a Tata Nexon EV XZ+ vehicle in the middle of the road in Pune, India. This was already the second known case of a Nexon EV being involved in a fire. The car caught fire and remained stuck in the middle of the road. Witnesses at the scene recorded a video[5] of the flames engulfing the front of the car. Firefighters arrived at the scene and immediately began extinguishing the fire, ensuring that the flames did not spread to other parts of the vehicle or the surroundings. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Tata Motors released an official statement[2][4], stating that the cause of the fire was a recent replacement of the left headlight in an unauthorized workshop. Improper installation and poor quality repairs led to a short circuit and heat buildup, which caused the fire. The fire was concentrated in the area where these unprofessional repairs were carried out.
Explosion of an electric car in Treviso caused extensive damage
14.04.2023
IT
Battery (explosion)
31
Renault Zoe 2020
-
In the night from June 13th to 14th, 2023, an electric Renault Zoe parked in a garage exploded in the Italian city of Trevise. This caused extensive material damage, including damage to the owner's house, a neighboring house, and a Mercedes B-Class vehicle. Firefighters confirmed the explosion and assume that the battery went into thermal runaway, with gases saturating the interior of the car and leading to the subsequent explosion[1][3]. At the time of the explosion, the car was not charging but had been recently charged at a charging station when the outside temperature was 27°C and the asphalt temperature was around 50°C[3]. It took firefighters almost 3 hours to extinguish the fire.
A Jeep Wrangler 4xe began to smoke in the garage
11.04.2023
US
Battery (explosion)
16
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Water
Residents in Erie noticed smoke and soon discovered it was coming from the garage where a Jeep Wrangler 4xe[1][2][5] was parked. Upon arrival, firefighters identified that a hybrid vehicle was burning inside the enclosed garage, primarily in the rear seat area. Firefighters began extinguishing the fire using conventional methods by aiming a water hose and dousing the vehicle with water. At that moment, an explosion occurred, which blew out the garage door[2]. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, and the fire is under further investigation[4]. evft perspective This fire was unusual due to the explosion that blew out the garage door and nearly injured a firefighter. We assume the most likely cause of the explosion was the release of various toxic gases from the battery, which was at the beginning of a thermal reaction. It is particularly dangerous when these gases accumulate in an enclosed space during similar incidents, as in this case, due to the risk of explosion[2].
Fire in a BYD Tang DM-i vehicle during transport in China
17.02.2023
CN
Battery
233
BYD TANG DM-i 2021
Water
On February 17th, 2023, a fire broke out in a BYD Tang DM-i electric SUV that was being transported on a tow truck in the Chinese city of Yantai, Shandong province. According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 1:10 PM local time while the vehicle was stationary on the tow truck at a traffic light. Initially, thick smoke was visible, followed by sparking from the underside of the vehicle accompanied by explosive sounds. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing the entire vehicle in flames. Nearby cars attempted to move away to avoid danger. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. However, due to the rapid spread of the flames, the vehicle sustained extensive damage. No injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed and an investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether the vehicle caught fire as a result of a previous accident or if there was a technical malfunction during transportation. BYD has not yet commented on the incident.
Tesla Model S Fire on Freeway in California
03.02.2023
US
Battery
223
Tesla Model S
Water
On January 28th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle on Highway 50 near the city of Sacramento, California, USA. The incident occurred during the afternoon while the vehicle was traveling at normal highway speed. The driver noticed thick black smoke coming from the underside of the vehicle while driving. He immediately pulled over to the shoulder, exited the vehicle safely, and called for help. Shortly after, the vehicle became engulfed in flames that gradually spread to the undercarriage and front of the car. Firefighters from Metro Fire of Sacramento arrived at the scene and used approximately 23,000 liters of water to extinguish the fire. To effectively fight the blaze, they lifted the vehicle using jacks to access the battery module located in the lower part of the car. The operation took over an hour to completely extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire was identified as spontaneous combustion of the battery module. According to available information, the vehicle did not show any signs of damage or unusual behavior prior to the incident. No injuries were reported during the incident.
In the city of Stadskanaal in the Netherlands, two electric vehicles caught fire.
14.01.2023
NL
Unknown
33
Volkswagen e-Up!
Skoda CITIGOe iV
Water / Container
The premises of the company Lefier on Julianastraat in Stadskanaal, Netherlands were damaged by a fire in the early morning hours, destroying two company electric vehicles. Firefighters from the Brandweer Stadskanaal station were called to the scene. Due to the risk of battery ignition, the vehicles were placed in a container filled with water. A towing service, Willem Keizen[3], then transported the cars where they remained for several days to prevent re-ignition. The cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated by the police. evft perspective Based on available photographs[2], we identified the car models as a Volkswagen e-UP! and a Škoda CITIGOe iV. As the source[1] indicates, it is possible that the fire was caused by arson by vandals.
In Bergen, a Jaguar I-Pace electric car caught fire during fast charging.
07.01.2023
NO
Battery
21
Jaguar I-Pace
Foam
Shortly after 2:00 am, a Jaguar I-Pace electric car caught fire at the Circle K gas station in the Åsane district of Bergen, Norway. The vehicle belonged to the taxi service Norgestaxi and was charging at a fast-charging station during the incident. Witnesses heard an explosion-like sound followed by thick smoke coming from under the car. The fire developed slowly, but by the time firefighters arrived, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The fire also spread to the charging station, but further spread and explosion were not a threat as it was far enough from the gasoline pumps. An hour after the firefighters arrived, the fire was extinguished. The fire chief stated that the cause of the fire in the electric car is not yet known[1]. evft perspective One of the videos[3] clearly shows the beginning of this incident, which was accompanied by thick white smoke coming from under the vehicle and a subsequent explosion and fire in this area. This is exactly how a battery thermal runaway occurs, so we believe the cause was the traction battery.
Fire of a Tesla Model S in Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland
27.12.2022
PL
Battery
222
Tesla Model S
Water
On December 27th, 2022, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle parked at the intersection of Wojska Polskiego and Toruńska Streets in Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland. The incident began around 1:00 PM when firefighters received a report of a fire in the parking lot. Upon arrival, they found that a significant amount of smoke was coming from the vehicle, indicating overheating battery cells. Subsequently, jet flames, typical of battery fires which are fueled by their own exothermic reaction, appeared. During the intervention, firefighters closed the intersection of Wojska Polskiego and Toruńska Streets due to heavy smoke. They used a large amount of water to extinguish the fire, focusing on reducing the temperature of the battery cells. A special container was brought to the scene in case the vehicle needed to be submerged in water, but this procedure was not necessary. The operation lasted approximately five hours. Despite the successful extinguishment, the luxury electric car was damaged by the fire and is likely destined for disposal. No one was injured during the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Police are investigating whether it was a technical malfunction or another factor.
Fire Peugeot e-208 GT
19.12.2022
NZ
Other (non-battery)
27
Peugeot e-208 GT 2022
Water
A fire involving a 2022 Peugeot e-208 GT electric vehicle broke out on December 19, 2022, in Wellington, New Zealand. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, with firefighters arriving at the scene at 03:41[1]. Peugeot New Zealand, along with its parent company Stellantis, is investigating the incident. According to their statement, the traction battery was not affected by the fire. A spokesperson for Peugeot New Zealand also stated that the fire risk, which prompted a recall, only applied to e-208 models manufactured in 2020 and did not affect any e-208 vehicles sold in New Zealand[2]. evft perspective Comments in the discussion section suggest, based on a photo of the incident, that the fire originated in the front of the vehicle and the probable cause could be the 12V battery or arson[2]. Furthermore, according to Peugeot New Zealand's statement that the traction battery was not affected, the cause of this incident is designated as Other (Non-Battery).
Fire of a Toyota Prius and another vehicle at the Skyview Motel in the USA
29.11.2022
US
Unknown
12
Toyota Prius
Foam
Fire at a parked Toyota Prius at the Skyview Motel in Los Alamos resulted in the total destruction of this vehicle and another vehicle parked nearby. According to Captain Scott Safechuck of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, there were no injuries and the hotel remained undamaged. The fire department stated in an official release that the fire involved the hybrid battery pack, but the actual cause of the fire is still under investigation[1].
Fire of a BYD Seal electric vehicle in China
15.11.2022
CN
Unknown
234
BYD Seal
Water
On November 15th, 2022, a fire broke out in a BYD Seal vehicle in the Chinese province of Henan, in the city of Nanjang. According to available information, the vehicle was parked on the side of the road when the fire started. The vehicle did not have license plates, suggesting it was a new or test vehicle. The fire was reported after witnesses observed thick smoke and flames spreading from the middle and rear of the vehicle. Firefighters arrived shortly after the report and extinguished the blaze. Despite the quick response, the rear of the vehicle was severely damaged. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed and an investigation is ongoing. Preliminary analyses suggest that the flames spread from top to bottom, which does not match the pattern of fires caused by batteries, which typically burn from bottom to top. Therefore, it is speculated that the fire may have been caused by other factors, such as electrical wiring or the presence of flammable materials inside the vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident. BYD has not yet commented on the case.
Fire in a Tesla taxi
23.10.2022
DE
Other (non-battery)
185
Tesla Model 3 2021
Water
On October 23rd, 2024, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle being used as a taxi in Hamburg, Germany. The incident occurred during a drive after a short break taken by the driver. Upon returning to the vehicle and resuming his journey, he noticed an unpleasant odor inside the car, which he initially attributed to an external factor. Shortly thereafter, however, he observed smoke spreading and flames emerging from the dashboard. The driver immediately pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called emergency services. While waiting for the firefighters, the flames spread rapidly, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle. According to available information and records from the scene, the fire originated in the front of the vehicle. The front storage compartment, known as the frunk, contained only a child car seat. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly, stating that the main traction battery of the vehicle was not affected, which significantly contributed to faster extinguishment and minimized the risk of explosion. Due to the damage and safety precautions, the vehicle had to be transported in a special container. The vehicle therefore remained at the scene of the incident until it was secured for special transport. The exact cause of the fire is unknown. evft perspective Given that the fire originated in the front of the vehicle, one possible cause could be a thermal runaway of the 16V lithium-ion battery, which replaces the traditional 12V lead-acid model. This battery contains prismatic NMC cells from manufacturer CATL, connected in parallel. If a thermal runaway occurred within this system, it could have been the component that initiated the fire. At the same time, other sources cannot be ruled out, such as a fault within the wiring.
Fire of a Mercedes-Benz hybrid vehicle in Auckland
07.10.2022
NZ
Other (non-battery)
120
Mercedes-Benz C 350 e
Water / Powder extinguisher
On the morning of October 7th, 2022, a fire broke out in a Mercedes-Benz C350e hybrid vehicle on Normanby Road in Auckland, New Zealand. The vehicle's owner smelled gasoline and saw smoke coming from under the hood while driving. He immediately pulled over to the side of the road, safely evacuated his three dogs, and retrieved personal belongings from the car. Employees from a nearby office attempted to extinguish the fire with three fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. Two units from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) arrived at the scene and faced challenges opening the hood and safely handling the vehicle's hybrid powertrain. However, they managed to contain and extinguish the fire before it spread to surrounding structures. There were no injuries during the incident. The vehicle owner stated that the battery had been replaced approximately a week prior to the incident due to transmission problems. The incident is under investigation, and the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined. evft perspective Based on available information and footage from the incident, we suspect that the cause of the fire in the Mercedes-Benz C350e hybrid vehicle was the low-voltage system or the 12V battery. The fire was clearly localized at the front of the vehicle, where this component is located (according to the ERG document[4]). The high-voltage lithium-ion battery, located under the trunk, remained undamaged. This is also evidenced by a video recording[2] from the scene of the incident.
Tesla fire in a Stamford parking lot
15.09.2022
US
Unknown
270
Tesla Model 3
Water
On September 15, 2022, at 11:18 local time, the dispatch center in Stamford (Connecticut, USA) received multiple reports of a vehicle fire in the parking lot behind the Blue Ginger restaurant on East Main Street. Some of the calls indicated that it was a Tesla electric vehicle. Upon arrival of Engine Company 4 at 11:24, a fully developed fire involving an electric vehicle was confirmed on scene. The vehicle was several meters away from other cars, so there was no immediate risk of them catching fire. Firefighters deployed a hose stream with a flow rate of approximately 200 gallons (≈ 757 liters) of water per minute. After connecting to a hydrant, two additional hoses were deployed, increasing the total flow rate to approximately 600 gallons (≈ 2,270 liters) of water per minute. Water was directed not only at the vehicle's body but also inside the vehicle to reach the battery. After approximately 42 minutes of intensive firefighting, the fire was officially extinguished. According to the incident commander, the fire was able to be controlled relatively quickly compared to some other electric vehicle fires, as the entire battery pack detached and fell beneath the vehicle, facilitating direct access to the battery cells. The Stamford and Fairfield County Haz Mat team, ambulance services, police, and other units of the Stamford Fire Department also responded to the scene. After the fire was extinguished, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, along with a specialized hazardous waste disposal company, were also present. Together, they ensured the vehicle was moved to a safe location. No injuries were reported in the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown. The Stamford Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
A fire started in an underground garage in Quebec City involving a Hyundai Kona vehicle.
31.08.2022
CA
Battery
61
Hyundai Kona 2019
Sprinkler
In the early morning hours, a fire broke out in a Hyundai Kona vehicle parked in an underground garage of an eight-story residential building in Quebec City, Canada. Approximately 50 firefighters responded to the scene. They first had to ventilate the garage area to gain access to the vehicle and then pull it out. The sprinkler system assisted them in extinguishing the fire, keeping it under control and preventing further damage to the building and surrounding cars. The building was evacuated as a precaution because smoke spread through ventilation shafts into living spaces. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during the incident. According to sources below, the cause of the fire was determined to be the battery of the Hyundai Kona vehicle, which ignited for an unknown reason, with the possibility of foul play ruled out. The vehicle sustained damage, although not as extensive as in other similar cases. It is unclear whether the car was connected to a charging station at the time of the incident.
Incident on the A55 motorway in North Wales
02.08.2022
GB
Battery
228
Unknown
Water
On August 2nd, 2023, a serious incident occurred on the A55 motorway near the town of Broughton, North Wales, where an electric vehicle spontaneously caught fire while in motion. The incident happened at approximately 8:30 am in the westbound lane of the motorway. The driver sustained serious injuries with potential long-term consequences for his life. He was rescued from the burning car thanks to the quick reaction of bystanders who pulled him from the vehicle. Emergency services arrived at the scene, including two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance, an air ambulance, and a specialist rescue unit. The man was subsequently transported by ambulance to Whiston Hospital in Merseyside. Firefighters remained on site until the afternoon due to the complex nature of the incident, which required special measures due to the nature of the electric vehicle. The fire caused the closure of both lanes of the motorway, with traffic being diverted onto alternative routes for several hours. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
A BMW 3 Series caught fire during a test drive.
29.07.2022
CN
Other (non-battery)
125
BMW i3 (China version)
Water
In the Chinese city of Zhengzhou, an electric car caught fire during a test drive. It was a BMW i3 sedan, which is the electric version of the 3 Series and is only available in the Chinese market. At the time of the incident, a salesperson employee was in the vehicle along with a customer. When they noticed that the vehicle was behaving unusually, they quickly stopped it and got out. Subsequently, they discovered that the rear part of the undercarriage had started to burn. evft perspective The incident was captured on video, which shows a relatively small fire in the rear of the undercarriage spreading slowly. According to eyewitness accounts, there were no explosions. These facts suggest that the fire was likely not caused by the traction battery but may have been the result of a malfunctioning electric motor, which is located in that area.
One of the first electric car fires in the Czech Republic
27.06.2022
CZ
Other (non-battery)
28
Peugeot e-208 2019
Water
In the South Bohemian Region, the first electric vehicle fire occurred in the village of Dynín, where a Peugeot e-208 caught fire. The fire was reported before 5 am, and the owner managed to disconnect the house from the electrical grid before the firefighters arrived. They arrived at the scene and localized the fire at 5:16, using several water jets to extinguish it. After extinguishing the fire, the electric vehicle was pulled out of the garage and monitored for the temperature of the traction battery. The incident commander requested a special container for extinguishing battery vehicles, which ultimately proved unnecessary as the vehicle's temperature was decreasing[1][2][3]. evft perspective The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but unconfirmed information circulating online suggests that the fire originated from a charging scooter next to the electric vehicle[5].
Tata Nexon caught fire shortly after charging
22.06.2022
IN
Battery
84
Tata Nexon
Water
On June 22nd, 2022, a fire broke out in an electric Tata Nexon EV vehicle in the Vasai West area of Mumbai, India. The incident occurred outside a restaurant near the Panchvati hotel and was captured on video by witnesses, with the footage quickly spreading on social media. According to available information, the vehicle was being charged using a slow AC charger installed at the owner's office prior to the incident. After driving approximately 5 kilometers on the way home, the driver heard unusual noises and warning lights appeared on the dashboard. The driver stopped the vehicle safely and exited. Shortly after, thick smoke began emanating from under the vehicle, which quickly escalated into flames. Firefighters and police units were called to the scene and extinguished the fire using water. There were no injuries reported during the incident. Apart from the affected vehicle, no other cars or nearby buildings were damaged. Tata Motors released a statement confirming that this is the first known case of a fire involving the Nexon EV model. The company has initiated a detailed investigation into the cause of the incident, but preliminary findings have not yet been released.
Fire in Jaguar I-Pace without apparent cause
17.06.2022
US
Battery
22
Jaguar I-Pace 2019
Foam
In the garage of a family home in Boynton Beach, Florida, USA, a Jaguar I-Pace began to smoke and subsequently caught fire. This is already the fourth similar case of a Jaguar I-Pace burning without an apparent cause. "On June 16th, I plugged the car into the charger before going to bed. On the morning of June 17th, I woke up and unplugged the car. Later that morning, I went out to run some errands. After driving about 12 miles (19 km) that morning, I returned home and parked the car back in the garage, leaving the garage door open. When I was home, I heard cracking sounds. I decided to go see where the sounds were coming from. When I entered the garage, I was faced with a thick wall of smoke. My first thought was: 'Where there's smoke, there's fire,' and I need to get the car out of the garage." - Gonzalo Salazar (owner of the electric vehicle)[1] The owner managed to move the smoking vehicle out onto the street. "I went back into the house for my phone and noticed that all the smoke from the garage now filled my entire house because the air conditioning unit is right next to the garage door. While I was trying to ventilate the house of smoke, I called Jaguar roadside assistance to come get the car. After I finished talking to them, I heard more cracking, but this time followed by fire coming from under the car. Then I called 911 for help. This wasn't a slow burn, when the fire started spreading, there were many crackling sounds and the car quickly became engulfed in flames." "Debris was flying everywhere, so I stayed at a safe distance. After the firefighters sprayed special foam on the fire for a long time, the car still emitted a buzzing sound coming from the front of the car." - Gonzalo Salazar (owner of the electric vehicle)[1] The insurance company declared the car a total loss. Jaguar took the remains of the vehicle for its own investigation. evft perspective The Jaguar I-Pace uses the same battery cells from LG Energy as the Chevy Bolt EV and Hyundai Kona EV, which were subject to massive recalls due to the risk of battery fires.[1] Approximately one year after this incident, Jaguar issued a recall for all Jaguar I-Pace models from 2019-2024MY manufactured from June 5, 2018.[3]
Fire of a Tesla electric car purchased only one week before the incident
23.05.2022
US
Traffic accident
138
Tesla Unknown 2022
Water
On Monday morning, around 4:30, a serious incident occurred in Brooklyn, Illinois. Initial reports spoke of a Tesla fire, but it was unclear how the fire started or what model of car was involved. Further sources clarified that the Tesla had crashed into a fire hydrant at high speed, causing it to ignite. The driver fled the scene, while his injured passenger was taken to the hospital. Witnesses stated that both occupants were under the influence of alcohol, but police have not yet officially confirmed this [5][6]. Shortly after the incident was reported, crews from the Venice Fire Department and Brooklyn Fire Department arrived at the scene. Mike Calhoun, Deputy Chief of the Brooklyn Fire Department, said that the Tesla had broken the fire hydrant upon impact and that the fire continued to burn mainly under the engine on the passenger side. Firefighters worked at the scene until approximately 7:00 a.m. [5][6].
The electric car caught fire in a parking lot
22.05.2022
US
Unknown
139
Tesla Model S
Water
A fire occurred at the Tesla dealership parking lot in Miami, damaging three cars. Two vehicles were severely affected by the direct fire, while the third sustained damage due to radiant heat. The incident was reported around 7:35 PM, and although firefighters managed to visibly extinguish the blaze, they had to return around 2 AM due to a re-ignition [1][2][3]. There were no injuries reported in the event.
Fire in a Tesla Model Y in Vancouver trapped its owner inside the car.
20.05.2022
CA
Other (non-battery)
142
Tesla Model Y 2021
Water / Fire blanket
In the Canadian city of Vancouver, a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle caught fire. The owner of the vehicle stopped at a traffic light when he suddenly felt that the car had lost all power and stopped working. He then noticed smoke entering the cabin. The doors and windows could not be opened, so in a panic, he kicked out a window and escaped, immediately calling 911[1][2]. Firefighters arrived at the scene in less than six minutes and extinguished the fire, which had already engulfed the entire vehicle[2]. The investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was not the traction battery, but the fire started in the left half of the dashboard, near the left body control module[3].
Fatal Fire Caused by Tesla Crashing into Tree
16.05.2022
US
Electronics
194
Tesla Model 3 2021
Water
On the night of May 16th, 2022, a tragic incident occurred in the town of Evergreen in the state of Colorado, resulting in the death of 33-year-old Tesla employee Hans Christopher von Ohain. At the time of the accident, he was driving a 2021 Tesla Model 3 when the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The vehicle then caught fire. The accident happened on Upper Bear Creek Road, just a short distance from von Ohain's home. His friend and neighbor, Erik Rossiter, was also in the car and survived the crash. He managed to free himself and escape the burning car, suffering burns on his hands while attempting to pull von Ohain out of the vehicle. Despite his efforts, von Ohain remained trapped inside the car, which was quickly engulfed in flames. Emergency services, including firefighters from the Evergreen Fire Department, arrived at the scene. After initially extinguishing the flames, they had to flip the vehicle onto its roof to access the lithium-ion battery, which continued to show signs of burning even after the fire was put out. They were able to extinguish the battery fire, but crews spent considerable time on site ensuring there was no risk of further reignition. Unfortunately, von Ohain's life could not be saved and his remains were extricated from the vehicle only after the fire was completely extinguished. The incident is under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol and other relevant authorities, who are examining whether Autopilot (ADAS - advanced driver-assistance system) was activated at the time of the accident. While Rossiter (the passenger) could not confirm with certainty if it was used during the incident, he stated that von Ohain (the driver) had been using it earlier that day. Investigators also determined that von Ohain's blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit, which may have been another contributing factor to the accident[1][4]. Two years after the accident, von Ohain's widow filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging negligence in the design and manufacture of the car[6][7]. The lawsuit claims that deficiencies in Autopilot and its warnings, as well as a lack of adequate safety measures, directly contributed to the tragic incident. Tesla continues to emphasize the safety record of its vehicles[8], despite an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which has uncovered several cases where Autopilot failed to function reliably enough to prevent accidents[3].
Fire of a parked Tesla Model 3 in California
14.05.2022
US
Unknown
143
Tesla Model 3 2019
Water
On May 14th, 2022, a fire broke out in a parked Tesla Model 3 outside a home on Mendiburu Road in California City, California, USA. The vehicle's owner received a notification on his phone that the car's alarm had been triggered. When he went outside to check on the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from inside. After opening the rear doors, he discovered that there was a fire burning inside the car, which had already begun to melt a child's car seat located in the second row of seats. Firefighters from the California City Fire Department (CCFD) arrived quickly at the scene and extinguished the fire rapidly. According to a CCFD spokesperson, firefighters have special training in handling electric vehicle fires[1][6], which enabled them to effectively manage the situation. No one was injured during the incident, but the vehicle sustained significant damage, and the owner lost several personal belongings, including baby gear and items from his partner's recent graduation. The fire damaged the vehicle to such an extent that it could not be towed, so a special removal was scheduled[6]. **evft perspective** Based on the owner's testimony about the location where the fire started – under the car seat in the second row – we assume it may have originated in the area of the service hatch. The Tesla Model 3 has various electronic components located in this section, including the onboard charger, which could be a potential source of overheating or short circuit. Given the information available from this situation, it is not possible to definitively confirm whether the traction battery and its thermal runaway were also involved in the incident.
Lucid Air Fire During Transport in Massachusetts
22.04.2022
US
External
67
Lucid Air
Water / Container
On April 22nd, 2022, a fire broke out at a rest stop near Bridgewater, Massachusetts, USA, involving a semi-truck transporting a Lucid Air electric vehicle. The incident occurred in the late evening hours when the driver pulled over to the rest stop for a break with his wife. During the break, he noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of the truck. Despite attempting to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, he was unable to control the situation and the fire quickly spread to the trailer containing the cargo. Within three minutes, flames engulfed the entire truck and its load. Firefighters arrived on scene when the fire was already fully involved. Their primary focus was to stop the spread of the fire and cool down the Lucid Air's traction lithium-ion battery, which was already showing signs of thermal runaway. After initially extinguishing the flames, firefighters removed the vehicle from the trailer and tilted it to gain better access to the battery. Despite these measures, reignition occurred, and the vehicle was placed in a specialized container where cooling continued. The entire operation took approximately four hours and required about 30,000 liters of water. The fire completely destroyed the semi-truck, trailer, and the transported Lucid Air. The intense heat also damaged a nearby building at the rest stop, causing aluminum siding to melt and windows to crack. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported. The investigation confirmed that the cause of the fire was not related to the Lucid Air, but the thermal runaway of its battery increased the complexity of the firefighters' response.
A garage fire destroyed a Tesla and a Mercedes in Santa Ana
08.03.2022
US
External – Electrical Installation
144
Tesla Model X
Water
In the early morning hours, a fire broke out in the garage of one of the homes on East Beechwood street in Santa Ana, California, USA. Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story home with thick smoke emanating from the garage. The fire damaged two vehicles located inside the garage, specifically a Tesla Model X and a Mercedes-Benz SUV. Smoke also penetrated into the house. Firefighters intervened and were able to extinguish the fire in approximately 10 minutes, preventing further damage and the spread of flames. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Authorities stated that the cause of the fire was an unspecified electrical event that resulted in the garage fire and destruction of the vehicles. evft perspective According to available information, the fire was caused by an unspecified electrical event, which may indicate a short circuit or overheating of the electrical installation. Given the speed at which firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, it is unlikely that the source was the electric vehicle's traction battery. Fires involving electric vehicle batteries typically require a longer time and special procedures for complete extinguishment. This incident also highlights the importance of professional installation and design of electrical systems in garages and living spaces to minimize the risk of similar events.
Tesla Model 3 Fire
25.02.2022
CA
Electronics
172
Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2022
-
A post was published on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in which the owner of a vehicle reported a fire in their Tesla Model 3 Long Range electric car. The fire allegedly spontaneously erupted in the area of the window behind the front passenger seat while the "Defrost" mode, or defrosting function, was activated. The apparent origin of the fire was located precisely where the defroster's electrical wiring connects to the glass. In the past, there have been reports of these electrical components causing overheating and cracking of the rear windshield on Tesla Model 3 vehicles, but no other fires have been reported.
A fire engulfed a BYD QIN PLUS DM-i
13.02.2022
CN
Other (non-battery)
126
BYD QIN PLUS Dm-i 2021
Water
On February 13th, 2022, a fire broke out in a BYD Qin Plus DM-i vehicle on a road in the Chinese city of Zhongshan. According to available information, the fire originated inside the vehicle. The fire was concentrated in the cabin, particularly on the rear seat, and the windshield also cracked. Following the incident, information appeared online alleging the death of the driver. BYD denied these claims, stating that there were no casualties during the fire. The company also reported that the vehicle's battery was not affected by the flames and that further investigation is underway.
A BYD Tang DM-i caught fire while being transported on a tow truck in China
26.01.2022
CN
Battery
90
BYD TANG DM-i
-
On January 26th, 2022, a fire broke out in a BYD Tang DM-i plug-in hybrid vehicle during transport on a tow truck in China. The vehicle was reportedly being transported due to a technical malfunction and was situated on the tow truck when it ignited. Video footage suggests that the flames originated in the area where the battery is located. No injuries or further damage to surrounding property were reported during the incident. BYD has yet to publicly comment on the incident, and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Tesla Model S Fire
14.01.2022
CA
Other (non-battery)
173
Tesla Model S
Water
In the town of Tiverton on King Street, a fire broke out in a black Tesla sedan. The incident was reported around 7:15 am. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames but were able to extinguish it quickly. There were no reported injuries. The investigation is being led by the South Bruce OPP police department in cooperation with the Ontario Fire Marshal's office. Investigators consider the circumstances surrounding the fire unusual and are not ruling out foul play. Police are also asking the public for any video footage from the area recorded between midnight and 7:00 am that could assist in clarifying the sequence of events. evft perspective Given that the undercarriage appears to be undamaged, it is unlikely that the source of the fire is the vehicle's traction battery.
Fire Involving Four Electric Vehicles
08.01.2022
DK
Unknown
174
Tesla Model 3
Water / Container
On January 8th, 2022, a fire broke out in a parking lot near the Egedal train station in Ølstykke, Denmark. The fire affected four electric vehicles: three Teslas and one Seat, parked next to each other and connected to charging stations. The fire started around 4:35 am when firefighters received a report of burning vehicles. It began on two cars and quickly spread to the remaining two. Due to the intensity of the flames, assistance was called from Beredskab Øst, which brought a special container designed for extinguishing electric vehicle battery fires. Firefighters battled the blaze until 7:20 am, using approximately 15,000 liters of water to extinguish it. The hybrid Seat was then placed in a cooling container and transported to a secure location where it was to remain for another 48 hours due to the risk of reignition. The remaining three Tesla vehicles were left at the scene. The cause of the fire is not yet officially known. Police are considering the possibility that the fire was deliberately set, as there have been several cases of arson in the area recently.
House Fire in Menlo Park Caused by Tesla Charger
03.01.2022
US
External – Charger
175
Tesla Model S
Water
On January 3rd, 2022, a fire broke out in a family home located at 1275 Hermosa Way in Menlo Park, California, USA. The fire was linked to a Tesla vehicle charger installed in the garage. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM when firefighters received a report of a house on fire. Five fire engines, one ladder truck, two command units, and a technical team equipped with drones for identifying hotspots in the attic and roof structure were dispatched to the scene. The fire caused extensive damage to the garage and attic, with the total estimated damage to property and contents amounting to $750,000. The family residing in the home was forced to relocate, but no one was injured during the fire. Although photographs from the scene suggest the presence of a Tesla vehicle in the garage, it is not confirmed whether it was directly damaged. The cause of the fire has been preliminarily determined as an electrical malfunction associated with the charger, however, the precise circumstances are subject to an ongoing investigation.
BMW i3 REX Fire
30.11.2021
US
Other (non-battery)
191
BMW i3 REX 2017
Water
In the evening hours, a fire broke out in the rear of an electric BMW i3 REX parked at Ziker Cleaners in South Bend, Indiana, USA. The driver experienced problems with their vehicle while driving, which began to jerk and eventually stopped. The driver managed to restart the car and move another approximately 10 meters onto the parking lot, where it again stopped without being parked. Smoke was observed coming from the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side, and flames appeared approximately 3-5 minutes later. "About 15 seconds before the fire, I received an error indicating a drive train malfunction. There was literally no warning to understand what was happening (I usually take pictures of errors when they appear because I have already had some problems with this car). The power completely failed before I had a chance to really see this error. The battery charge level was about 35%. I don't think I was affected by the recall regarding the valve, the car was serviced in August and so far they have been very diligent in applying repairs from recalls." - electric vehicle driver[1]. Firefighters who arrived at the scene disconnected the high-voltage battery and extinguished the fire. The rear of the vehicle was completely destroyed beyond repair. No further damage occurred during the incident. The REX function was not active at the time of the incident, but it is being considered that the fire may have started in this area of the vehicle[1]. evft perspective In the case of the BMW i3 REX, we have already recorded several instances of fires tending to occur in the rear of the vehicle. Although the cause of this fire is unknown, we tend to believe that the problem may be related to the REX system. This is suggested by the extent and location of the damage to the vehicle.
Tesla Model 3 Fire During Charging in Maple Glen
23.11.2021
US
Other (non-battery)
177
Tesla Model 3
Water
An electric Tesla Model 3 caught fire on November 23rd, 2021, in front of a family home in Maple Glen, Pennsylvania, USA. The fire originated in the rear of the vehicle during charging and quickly spread to the garage, which was directly connected to the house. Shortly after the incident was reported, firefighters from Fort Washington Fire Company[1] arrived at the scene along with other emergency response teams. Upon arrival, firefighters found that flames had already engulfed the rear of the electric vehicle and the garage. Three water hoses were deployed to locate and extinguish the fire. They also checked the house for occupants, finding no people or animals in danger. The firefighting operation lasted less than an hour, during which time the fire was completely extinguished. Despite the quick response, significant material damage occurred – the garage, part of the house, and the rear of the vehicle were severely damaged. The vehicle was destroyed in the incident. The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation. The event resulted in no injuries. [b]evft perspective:** Although the exact cause of the fire is unknown, available photos and information suggest that the fire likely did not originate in the traction battery, as the flames were concentrated mainly in the rear of the vehicle. Given the ongoing charging, a connection to the charging system cannot be ruled out, but it is not certain that the vehicle itself was the source of the fire. It is also possible that the fire started outside the electric vehicle and subsequently spread to it. The possibility of arson cannot be excluded either. An indicator that the fire may have originated outside the electric vehicle's traction battery is the relatively short duration of the firefighting operation, which is quite short for this type of incident.
BYD Qin Pro Fire
22.11.2021
CN
Battery
93
BYD Qin Pro 2019
Water
On November 22nd, 2021, a fire broke out in an underground garage in Beijing, China, involving a BYD Qin Pro EV that was parked and connected to a Star Charge charging station. The fire was reported in the late evening hours. The vehicle owner stated that he heard unusual noises and saw smoke coming from the underside of the vehicle during charging. He promptly evacuated his family, including a child, and left the garage. Shortly after, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, ensuring it did not spread to nearby vehicles or the garage infrastructure. There were no reported injuries or further damage from the incident. According to sources from Star Charge[5], there were no visible burn marks found on the connection between the charging connector and the vehicle. Preliminary findings suggest that the vehicle likely self-ignited after charging, however, the specific causes remain under investigation. BYD confirmed that the vehicle was sold at the beginning of 2019 and used NCM 622 type batteries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the results have not yet been released. BYD also denied that it was an explosion.
Fire of a VW ID.4 in the underground garage Marienplatz in Ravensburg
21.11.2021
DE
Battery
79
Volkswagen ID.4 2021
Water / Sprinkler
On November 21st, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric Volkswagen ID.4 vehicle in the underground parking garage Marienplatz-Tiefgarage in the German city of Ravensburg. The fire started during the night, and no persons were present in the garage at the time of the incident. Although the automatic fire alarm system and sprinklers activated, they were unable to prevent the rapid spread of flames that engulfed the vehicle connected to a charging station. The fire was reported at 3:19 am, prompting the dispatch of firefighting units to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters faced heavy smoke and high temperatures, requiring the deployment of multiple teams with breathing apparatus. Firefighting operations were carried out using integrated fire suppression systems within the garage and water lines connected to public hydrants. After extinguishing the fire, the vehicle was moved to an outdoor area where measures were taken to eliminate the risk of re-ignition. The flames also damaged three other vehicles parked nearby and caused significant damage to the garage's infrastructure. The total estimated cost of the damage is approximately €370,000. The cause of the fire is unknown, but police are investigating the possibility of a technical malfunction.
Fire of a BYD TANG electric car
15.11.2021
NO
Unknown
89
BYD TANG
Water
On November 15th, 2021, in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand, a fire broke out in a BYD Tang electric vehicle at the RSA Bil workshop. When the vehicle's batteries began to overheat, employees reacted quickly and pulled the car out of the workshop. Shortly after, it caught fire[1][2].
Two cars were engulfed in flames near an apartment building
13.11.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
63
Hyundai IONIQ PHEV
Water / Foam / Container
In the early morning hours of November 13th, 2021, a fire broke out involving two vehicles in the residential complex “Am Ziegelbrunn” in Haßfurt, Germany. The vehicles, a Citroën C3 and an electric Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, were parked next to a multi-story apartment building. The fire started around 3:00 am, to which firefighters from Haßfurt responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, they found that both vehicles were already engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to the facade of the adjacent building. The high temperatures caused roller shutters to melt and window panes to crack, allowing smoke to enter the building's interior. Police evacuated residents as a precaution, preventing any injuries. Firefighters used foam jets to extinguish the fire, managing to bring it under control after several hours. However, the electric Hyundai Ioniq PHEV posed a risk due to the potential damage to its battery from the fire and the subsequent possibility of reignition caused by thermal runaway. Therefore, in cooperation with the police, they decided to place the vehicle in a special watertight container that was flooded with water. A special container with a capacity of 15 cubic meters arrived at the scene and was gradually filled with water from hydrants. The Hyundai Ioniq remained submerged for several days to minimize the risk of further fire. The incident was concluded after seven hours, with firefighters safely transporting the vehicle wrecks to a scrapyard in Knetzgau. The Criminal Police in Schweinfurt took over the investigation. Investigators considered two possible causes of the fire: the vehicles could have ignited due to a technical malfunction in one of the cars or as a result of arson.
Fire in a Renault Zoe in a parking lot
11.11.2021
NO
Other (non-battery)
29
Renault Zoe
Water
Around 10:30 a fire was reported in a parking lot at the Hunsfos Congress Centre in Vennesla, Norway. Two people in a car smelled smoke, parked, and got out, after which the car caught fire. The fire also affected two other parked vehicles. Firefighters responded quickly and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. An ambulance checked the two individuals for suspected smoke inhalation. No one else was injured. The cause of the fire is currently unknown[1]. evft perspective Photographs and videos from the incident clearly show that the fire was concentrated mainly in the front of the vehicle[2][3]. Based on this, we assume that the source of the fire was in the hood of the vehicle. According to the ERG document, the cause could have been the 12V system or the onboard charger.
Jaguar I-Pace caught fire during charging in the Hungarian city of Székesfehérvár
25.10.2021
HU
Battery
15
Jaguar I-Pace
Foam
In the Hungarian city of Székesfehérvári, a Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle caught fire while charging. Upon arrival, firefighters found the car engulfed in flames, with the high temperature damaging the insulation of nearby buildings and construction materials located close by. The fire reignited several times even after appearing to be extinguished, which can occur with fires involving electric vehicles[1]. It took almost five hours to completely extinguish the blaze. Batteries for this type of vehicle are supplied by LG Chem, whose batteries led to the recall of Hyundai Kona and Chevrolet Bolt models from the market due to the risk of fires[3].
A fire at Gruber Motors destroyed more than 30 Tesla Roadsters
16.10.2021
US
External
178
Tesla Roadster
Water
On October 16th, 2021, a large fire broke out at the main service center of Gruber Motors in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The service center, known for specializing in the repair of first-generation Tesla Roadster batteries, lost over 30 of these rare electric vehicles. The fire started around 2:15 am and according to preliminary investigations, the probable cause was a malfunction in the electrical distribution panel. The fire spread rapidly and completely destroyed the entire building, including the vehicles and workshop equipment. Several firefighting units responded to the scene along with hazardous materials specialists who had to deal with complications arising from burning lithium-ion batteries. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries as no one was present at the facility at the time of the fire. General Manager Peter Gruber expressed deep regret over the loss that affected not only his company but also the entire Tesla fan community. He stated that all owners of the affected vehicles were personally informed about the incident. The company announced its intention to relocate operations to other facilities and continue its activities. The exact cause of the fire was under investigation, but it was not yet known. This incident is not the first major fire to hit Gruber Motors. As early as 2017, a fire broke out at the same company's building, destroying five Tesla Roadsters, a rare Dodge Viper, and one of only three tZero electric vehicles ever produced. In this case, the fire started during an experimental battery repair, but the exact cause was never officially confirmed.[7]
Fire of a new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo in Red Hill, Australia
13.10.2021
AU
Unknown
121
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 2021
Water
On October 13th, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo electric vehicle on the driveway of Eldridge Estate winery in Red Hill, Victoria, Australia. The incident occurred around 2:00 PM when the owner, who had owned the vehicle for only three days, arrived at the winery and noticed thick smoke coming from the front of the car. Firefighters from the Red Hill CFA station arrived on scene within five minutes with three fire trucks and six firefighters. The intervention was technically challenging because the fire had deactivated the 12-volt electrical system, making it impossible to open the hood and access the lithium battery. Following instructions from Porsche Australia, firefighters used jumper cables to bypass the system, allowing them to open the hood. The situation was further complicated by the different color coding of electrical cables in German vehicles, where brown indicates the positive pole and blue the negative, unlike the red and black colors used in Australia. Despite these complications, firefighters were able to contain and extinguish the fire, preventing more extensive damage to the vehicle. The vehicle suffered significant damage to its 12-volt system and was towed back to the Porsche dealer for further assessment. The incident is subject to further investigation. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
In the city of Chester, a BMW i3 caught fire.
07.10.2021
GB
Unknown
54
BMW i3
Water
In the early hours, Cheshire Fire and Rescue was called to a fire involving a BMW i3 electric vehicle at the Caldy Valley Retail Park in Chester, United Kingdom. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a high-pressure hose to extinguish the fire. The temperature of the vehicle was then monitored using a thermal imaging camera. After the fire was extinguished, only the burnt-out shell of the vehicle remained.
Fire in a Tesla Model S after hitting a tree
02.10.2021
CH
Traffic accident
180
Tesla Model S
Water
On October 2nd, 2021, a traffic accident occurred in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, where a Tesla vehicle crashed into a tree and caught fire. The incident happened at approximately 9:30 am in the parking lot of a shopping center on Zürcherstrasse. For reasons yet to be determined, the driver of the Tesla lost control of the vehicle. After hitting two parked cars, the Tesla continued driving, crossed the sidewalk and part of the road, until it crashed into a tree on a traffic island. The vehicle immediately caught fire after the impact. Bystanders witnessed the incident and promptly called for help. One of them managed to pull the driver out of the burning vehicle. The woman sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital. Firefighters from Frauenfeld arrived at the scene shortly after the accident and used a strong water jet to extinguish the flames. Specialized companies supported the operation by removing the damaged tree and excavating contaminated soil. Police, in cooperation with the local fire department, ensured traffic restrictions around the accident site. The total damage was estimated at several tens of thousands of Swiss francs. The exact cause of the accident is unknown and is under investigation.
Electric Vehicle Fire in a Parking Lot in Brühl
27.09.2021
DE
Vandalism
78
Volkswagen ID.3
Water
On September 27th, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle parked at Pingsdorfer Straße in Brühl, Germany. The fire was reported in the late evening hours and also affected two adjacent vehicles. The owner of the vehicle stated that he had parked the car earlier that afternoon and it had not been moved since. The fire completely destroyed the interior and engine compartment of the vehicle, shattering all the windows. During extinguishing efforts, the floor space of the vehicle was flooded with water. The car ended up being completely totaled by the fire, and two neighboring cars were also damaged. After the firefighting operations were completed, the vehicle was secured in cooperation with the insurance company and firefighters. Police launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are considering the possibility of arson by unknown individuals. evft perspective Intentional arson will likely be the best explanation, as the text mentions burning of the interior and engine compartment. The photos also show that the fire did not originate in the lower part of the vehicle where the battery is located.
Fire of a Tesla Model S at a Tesla service center
27.09.2021
US
Battery
145
Tesla Model S P100D
Water
A Tesla Model S caught fire at a Tesla service center in the city of Marietta. Details about the fire are limited, but it appears that firefighters arrived on the scene very quickly, as they were able to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding vehicles. They used an unconventional technique to extinguish the fire – lifting the car onto wooden blocks and directing a stream of water directly at the battery. This ensured effective extinguishing of the fire and cooling of the battery[1][4][5]. evft perspective The exact cause has not yet been released, but based on the attached photos, we believe it was a thermal runaway of the battery.
Fire of a Nissan Leaf in the city of Kremenchuk
14.09.2021
UA
Unknown
72
Nissan LEAF 2017
Water
On the night of September 14th, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2017 Nissan Leaf electric car on Hoholya street in the center of Kremenchuk, Ukraine. According to a report from the local branch of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS), the fire engulfed a large part of the vehicle, including the traction battery. Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze at the scene, but the electric car was completely destroyed. The vehicle was reportedly insured. The cause of the fire was under further investigation. There were no reported casualties or injuries in the incident. Further details about this case are not available.
An electric car, a Nissan Leaf, caught fire in the driveway of one of the homes.
14.09.2021
RU
Other (non-battery)
75
Nissan LEAF
Water
In the early morning hours of September 14th, 2021, a fire broke out in a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle on Pervostroiteley Street in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia. The fire started around 5:00 am in the courtyard of one of the apartment buildings where the vehicle was parked. According to available information[1], the car was likely charging via an extension cord and the fire originated in the engine compartment of the vehicle. Firefighters from the 98th Guards Airborne Division responded to the scene, extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was destroyed.
Electric car on fire near the Norwegian tunnel Lunnen
14.09.2021
NO
Other (non-battery)
77
Volkswagen ID.3
Water
On September 14th, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle on Norwegian road E16, approximately one kilometer east of the Lunner Tunnel. The incident caused the closure of the road in both directions and also the temporary closure of the tunnel towards Gardermoen. The driver noticed that the vehicle had started to burn while driving and immediately pulled over. He managed to exit the car safely. He did not sustain any injuries but was taken for a medical check-up as a precaution. Firefighters arrived at the scene and tackled the fire, which was already fully developed. However, the fire did not spread to the vehicle's battery system[2]. Road E16 and the Lunner Tunnel were reopened after almost two hours. Further information about the intervention and the exact cause of the fire are not yet known.
Chevy Bolt Fire in Garage
13.09.2021
US
Battery
146
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
-
In the city of Canton in the state of Georgia, USA, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevy Bolt that was parked in the garage of a family home. Firefighters arrived shortly after the fire was reported and immediately began pulling the car out of the garage to prevent damage to the house and property[1][2]. Despite the quick response, the Chevy Bolt was significantly damaged. A 2017 Dodge Ram was also in the garage and sustained smoke damage[1][2]. There were no injuries or fatalities[1]. This is one of several fires involving 2019 Chevy Bolts that have been reported, and this incident is under investigation. However, it is preliminarily being linked to a battery manufacturing defect. Approximately one month prior to this incident, General Motors announced a recall of all 2019-2020 Bolt models due to defects in the battery cells that could lead to fires[2][4]. At that time, recommendations were also issued, particularly advising owners to park outdoors, charge to a maximum of 90% battery capacity, and avoid charging vehicles overnight[2][4].
Police and firefighters responded to a fire in an electric Peugeot e-208 in Oslo.
08.09.2021
NO
Battery
26
Peugeot e-208 2019
Water / Fire blanket / Container
Police and firefighters responded to an electric vehicle fire on Tråkka Street in Oslo, Norway. While AC charging at a public charging station in the Holmen district, thick smoke began emanating from the lower part of the vehicle, and sparks were also observed. The smoking escalated into a fire. Firefighters brought the flames under control in about an hour. A fire blanket was used on the vehicle, and it was placed in a water container where cooling lasted for several hours. evft perspective The exact cause of this incident is unclear, but we believe it was a lithium-ion battery fire, as the course of events describes clear signs of thermal runaway. In 2022, a recall was issued for Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 vehicles manufactured between January 15, 2020, and June 20, 2020, due to a fire risk associated with the battery located under the front hood - the 12V battery[5].
In the city of Dumbrăvița, firefighters intervened for the first time at a fire involving an electric car.
03.09.2021
RO
Battery
87
Volkswagen e-Golf
Water / Container
On September 3rd, 2021, the first electric vehicle fire occurred in Romania. The incident took place in the city of Dumbrăvița and involved a Volkswagen e-Golf used for ride-hailing services (Uber). According to the responding firefighters, the fire originated in the vehicle's traction battery area. 11 firefighters were deployed to the scene, who, in addition to conventional firefighting methods, also used a special container to submerge the electric vehicle in water[1][2].
Chevy Bolt Fire in Sacramento
30.08.2021
US
Battery
147
Chevrolet Bolt 2017
-
In the city of Sacramento in California, a fire broke out in a Chevy Bolt EV on August 30th, 2021. At the time of the fire, no one was inside the vehicle, it was parked, not charging, and had a low state of charge[3]. The flames also affected other vehicles nearby, including a Maserati, Chevy Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra[2]. Firefighters arrived at the scene after residents in the area reported a loud explosion and cracking sounds. Manufacturer General Motors began an investigation into the cause of the fire and attributes it to defective lithium-ion batteries from supplier LG[1][2]. evft perspective This vehicle was part of a large recall action for Chevy Bolt electric vehicles, which is also being handled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency has recorded several cases where owners reported their vehicles catching fire under the rear seat. These fires allegedly occurred mainly when the vehicles were parked and unattended[1].
In Berlin, someone set fire to a company-owned BMW i3 electric car.
28.08.2021
DE
Vandalism
55
BMW i3
Water
In Berlin on Johann-Sigismund-Strasse around 3:00 am, a company electric car BMW i3 caught fire. The front of the vehicle burned completely, but firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to the traction battery[1][2]. There were no injuries during the incident. evft view Photographs of the incident clearly show that the fire was concentrated in the front of the vehicle, suggesting that the battery was not the direct source of the flames. Police are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire and are not ruling out the possibility of arson. Berlin has seen a high number of vehicle arsons in recent months. Shortly before this incident, a garbage container also burned on nearby Westfälische Straße. A possible connection between these fires is also being investigated.
Fire of a flooded Nissan Leaf in the Japanese city of Takeo
28.08.2021
JP
Submersion
73
Nissan LEAF
Water
On August 28th, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric Nissan Leaf vehicle in the city of Takeo, Saga Prefecture, Japan. The incident occurred approximately two weeks after floods caused by heavy rains in the region. The fire ignited spontaneously at 7:50 am on the owner's property. The family first heard an explosion sound and then observed flames coming from the vehicle. Local fire crews were immediately called to the scene and extinguished the fire with water. Despite the quick response, the vehicle was completely destroyed. There was no further damage to the house or surrounding area, and no injuries were reported during the incident. According to initial reports, the vehicle had been partially submerged during the floods, with water reaching the level of the steering wheel. The owner stated that he had not used the vehicle since the floods and had not attempted to restart it. Experts suggest that damage to the electrical systems due to corrosion may have caused a short circuit and subsequent fire.
Vehicle Fire: Tesla Model X in Luxembourg
28.08.2021
LU
Battery
148
Tesla Model X
Container
On August 28th, 2024, at approximately 9:00 AM, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model X vehicle inside the service garage of Tesla Service Center located on rue d'Ivoix in the Luxembourgish district of Bonnevoie. The fire originated within the service center premises, with the vehicle producing a significant amount of thick smoke that spread to the surrounding area. The Luxembourg Fire Brigade used a special container filled with water to extinguish the fire. This measure was taken due to the risk that the battery of the vehicle could also be the source of the fire. This procedure aimed to cool and stabilize the battery system and prevent reignition. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and is under investigation. The incident resulted in no injuries.
Fire in a Jaguar I-Pace in Redmond, USA
23.08.2021
US
Battery
20
Jaguar I-Pace
Water / Powder extinguisher
Near Redmonde firefighters responded to a fire involving a Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle. Firefighters faced special challenges due to the burning lithium-ion battery, which was difficult to extinguish. Several dry chemical extinguishers and a large amount of water were used. Crews were on scene for nearly two hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation.[1]
A new Volkswagen ID.3 caught fire in the German town of Kellmünz
23.08.2021
DE
Battery
76
Volkswagen ID.3 2021
Water / Container
On August 23rd, 2021, a fire broke out in a fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle in the German town of Kellmünz an der Iller. The incident occurred after 10:00 am at the intersection of Friedhofstraße and Schönblick streets. Shortly after starting his journey, the driver noticed unusual screeching sounds coming from the underside of the vehicle. After stopping, the onboard computer alerted him to a malfunction in the electric drive system. Moments later, smoke began to emerge from the rear of the vehicle, which quickly escalated into an intense fire. Local firefighters arrived at the scene and were confronted with fully developed flames reaching several meters high and producing intense heat. After successfully extinguishing the fire, the vehicle was placed in a special container where it was subsequently doused with water to prevent the battery from reigniting. This procedure is standard practice in such incidents. No injuries were reported during the incident, but the vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire. evft perspective The exact cause of the fire and the results of its investigation are unknown. However, based on the course of events, it is more than likely that the problem was related to the vehicle's lithium-ion traction battery, which entered a state of thermal runaway. Several facts suggest this: the screeching sounds from the underside of the vehicle, the warning from the onboard computer about a malfunction in the electric drive system, the subsequent appearance of thick smoke, and the rapid spread of flames. What specifically caused this battery problem remains unclear.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Fire in Los Angeles
16.08.2021
US
Battery
112
Chevrolet Bolt 2020
-
On August 16th, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV on the driveway of a family home in Los Angeles, California, USA. The electric vehicle was purchased in January 2021 and had only approximately 9,600 km (6,000 miles) on it. It did not exhibit any problems prior to the fire and was in pristine condition. The vehicle had been plugged in to charge at 9:00 PM the previous evening, with charging completed at 3:04 AM. It remained parked on the driveway, still connected to the charger, throughout the day. At 5:05 PM, a loud bang was heard, and thick smoke began emanating from the side of the electric vehicle. Three minutes later, flames appeared from under the vehicle. Four minutes after that, the aluminum body panels started to melt. Firefighters arrived on the scene ten minutes after the smoke was first detected, but the Chevrolet was already engulfed in flames. The fire was definitively identified as a battery fire.
An electric Renault Zoe car caught fire in the city of Stolberg.
14.08.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
30
Renault Zoe
Water
On Saturday morning, emergency services responded to a vehicle fire in the center of the German city of Stolberg. The fire mainly affected the front part of the electric car. The quick intervention of firefighters prevented the flames from reaching the traction battery, but they were still unable to save the vehicle. The operation ended after approximately three hours. The exact cause of the fire is unknown.[1]
Fire of a Volkswagen ID.3 in Groningen, Netherlands
14.08.2021
NL
Battery
182
Volkswagen ID.3
Water
On August 14th, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric Volkswagen ID.3 vehicle on Helper Brink street in Groningen, Netherlands. The incident occurred during the morning hours after the driver had disconnected the charging cable from the vehicle and placed her three-year-old child inside. She immediately noticed smoke coming from the underside of the car. Reacting quickly, she removed the child, moved to a safe distance, and called for help. Moments later, the car was engulfed in flames. According to witnesses, at least five loud explosions were heard during the fire, with each one intensifying the smoke. Firefighters arrived promptly, but despite their efforts, the vehicle was completely destroyed by the blaze. The flames also damaged a nearby parked car, specifically a first-generation Nissan Leaf. The official cause of the fire has not been determined, but it is suspected to be a technical malfunction that may have been related to the charging process. Volkswagen announced its intention to thoroughly examine the wreckage in order to clarify the cause of the ignition, but the results of the investigation have not yet been released. No public investigation into the incident was actively pursued by Dutch authorities.
In Munich, an Audi e-Tron GT caught fire while charging.
30.07.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
52
Audi e-tron GT
Water
In Munich on Lilienstrasse street, a new Audi e-Tron GT caught fire while charging. The car was connected to a charging station operated by the Munich city services, where it had been charging regularly for three weeks without any problems. On the evening before the incident, at 6:40 PM, the owner plugged in the vehicle to charge with a remaining range of approximately 100 kilometers. The vehicle completed charging at 2:11 AM and shortly thereafter, emergency services were alerted due to the fire. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze in about an hour and a half. The Audi, the charging station, and a BMW Series 1 parked in front were damaged. City services subsequently disconnected the charging station from the network. After the fire was extinguished, an investigation into the cause was initiated by the criminal police. According to photographs, it is clear that the fire originated in the front of the vehicle where the vehicle's charging electronics burned. This suggests that the vehicle's traction battery remained undamaged. The charging station was only superficially burned on one side, leading to the assumption that it was not the cause of the fire.[1]
Extensive damage caused by fire in the town of Rhaudermoore
30.07.2021
DE
Battery
62
Hyundai Kona
Water / Foam / Cobra
On July 30th, 2021, a fire broke out in the residential area of Rhaudermoor in the German town of Rhauderfehn, Lower Saxony. The fire engulfed two carports where two cars were parked, one of which was electric. The flames spread rapidly and affected adjacent buildings, causing extensive damage. One half of the house was severely damaged – windows shattered and smoke penetrated the interior. Firefighters from Rhaudermoor and Westrhauderfehn were dispatched to the scene, with a total of 40 firefighters participating in the operation. Although they managed to bring the fire under control relatively quickly, the battery of the electric vehicle still showed signs of burning and there was a risk of it reigniting. As a result, a specialized firefighting unit from Loga was called to the scene. They used Cobra technology to destroy and cool down the active battery cells directly from the inside. The entire operation lasted approximately three hours, during which firefighters gradually gained control of the situation. The fire was completely extinguished around 7:00 PM. Both vehicles were completely destroyed and part of the house became temporarily uninhabitable due to smoke and heat. The local police investigated the incident, focusing on a technical failure of the electric vehicle's battery as a possible cause of the fire.
Fire involving a Chevrolet Bolt EV in a garage in Arizona
25.07.2021
US
Battery
110
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
-
On July 25th, 2021, in Chandler, Arizona, USA, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The vehicle was parked in a garage and plugged into a charger when the owner heard honking. Upon entering the garage, he noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. He immediately unplugged the vehicle, while his son called 911. Upon arrival, firefighters found the rear of the vehicle engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the fire, the fire department inspected the vehicle but could not definitively confirm whether the cause of the fire was related to the battery. The insurance company subsequently had the vehicle towed and deemed it a total loss. The manufacturer was informed of the incident. The vehicle had approximately 27,000 miles on it at the time of the incident. The owner was treated on scene for smoke inhalation. His wife fractured three toes on her foot while escaping the house and sought medical attention the following day.[2][3] evft perspective General Motors (GM) first issued a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV models in November 2020 after five fires were reported involving these vehicles. These cases, where vehicles caught fire without a preceding accident, led to an extensive investigation into battery issues. Initial findings indicated that some battery modules manufactured at the LG Chem plant in South Korea contained manufacturing defects that could cause a short circuit. The incident in Chandler revealed that battery problems were not limited to older models but also affected newer versions. In response to these findings, GM was forced to expand the recall to include all Bolt EV and EUV models produced between 2017 and 2022. As part of the expanded recall, GM included approximately 142,000 vehicles, mandating battery module replacements in all affected vehicles.[4][5]
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA
25.07.2021
US
Battery
111
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
-
On July 25th, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV while driving on a multi-lane highway in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA. While driving, the car suddenly began to decelerate rapidly, as if the regenerative braking system had activated. The driver immediately pulled over to the shoulder and put the vehicle into park mode. This vehicle was equipped with an American battery and was not included in any recall action. After stopping, the driver noticed smoke rising from the front undercarriage. He immediately exited the vehicle and moved to a safe distance. He then called 911 to report the situation. Shortly after, the car caught fire. The driver contacted emergency services again to report that the fire had started. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, the vehicle was completely destroyed and the insurance company classified it as a total loss. According to the owner, there were no warning signs or error messages displayed on the vehicle prior to the fire. The incident resulted in no injuries, but the driver described the situation as highly dangerous, particularly due to the risk of fire on a busy highway. The investigation into the incident involves the insurance company and the manufacturer, General Motors. The exact cause of the fire has not been released.
Nighttime car fires in the Dutch city of Stadskanaal
20.07.2021
NL
Unknown
32
Renault Zoe
Water / Container
During the night of July 20, 2021, in the city of Stadskanaal, Netherlands, two car fires occurred. The first incident happened around 2:00 am at the charging station Raadhuisplein, where an electric Renault Zoe caught fire. The car was connected to the charging station, but it is unknown whether it was charging at the time. Firefighters from the Brandweer Stadskanaal brigade were called to the scene. After the initial extinguishing, the vehicle was submerged in a water container to prevent re-ignition. Sometime later, the second fire occurred, this time involving a combustion engine vehicle (ICE) on Irenelaan street. Firefighters from the Gasselternijveen brigade were dispatched to the scene. The causes of the fires are unknown, but police are considering arson. On the same night, they also reported the intentional arson of a mobile toilet on the adjacent street Marijkelaan.
A Nissan Leaf caught fire while charging in a shopping center parking lot.
08.07.2021
UA
Battery
70
Nissan LEAF
Powder extinguisher
On July 6, 2021, a fire broke out in a Nissan Leaf electric car in the parking lot of the Oasis shopping center in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM while the electric car was connected to a charging station. Witnesses noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, which quickly turned into flames. Uninvolved drivers and shopping center employees attempted to extinguish the fire using several dry chemical fire extinguishers. Firefighters were also called to the scene, but according to available information, they managed to extinguish the fire before their arrival. Despite the quick intervention of bystanders, the electric car was completely destroyed by the fire. There were no injuries during the incident. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined.
Spontaneous Combustion of a BMW i3
06.07.2021
PL
Other (non-battery)
56
BMW i3 REX
Water
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, a fire broke out in an electric BMW i3 vehicle on Puławska Street in Warsaw. The vehicle caught fire for unknown reasons, with the driver noticing smoke coming from under the hood and promptly exiting the car. No one was injured[1][3]. The fire was intense and the vehicle was completely destroyed[3]. Firefighters responded to the scene and had to use a thermal imaging camera to monitor the battery temperature while ensuring its thorough cooling[3].
A fire occurred in an electric vehicle overnight.
02.07.2021
US
Battery
109
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water / Powder extinguisher
On July 2nd, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV that was parked in the driveway of a family home in Bound Brook, New Jersey, USA. The vehicle had been plugged in overnight for AC charging, which was a common practice for the owners. The fire started around 6:00 am when the owners awoke to a loud explosion. Looking outside, they saw a police officer attempting to extinguish flames on their Chevrolet Bolt using a fire extinguisher. Flames were spreading from the area of the right front passenger seat. The officer instructed the residents to evacuate to safety. The fire quickly spread to the house and was accompanied by several explosions. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was burned down to its frame. The fire caused significant damage to the side of the house, and water used in extinguishing the fire also caused damage to its interior. The homeowners stated that they had not noticed any warning signs prior to the incident, although the wife mentioned hearing an alarm shortly before the fire, but it is unclear if it originated from their car. The homeowners and their pets were checked for possible smoke inhalation. The investigation of the incident was complicated by the disappearance of the vehicle's wreckage, which was considered stolen. Only melted parts of the vehicle remained on the driveway, available for further examination. The vehicle had undergone previous repairs as part of a recall campaign in November 2020 and April 2021. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Fire of a Hyundai Kona in an underground parking garage of an apartment complex
01.07.2021
KR
Unknown
119
Hyundai Kona 2019
Water / Fire blanket
On the morning of July 1st, 2021, a fire broke out in the underground garage of the Sae Saem Maeul 3 Danji apartment complex in Sejong-si, South Korea, involving a 2019 Hyundai Kona electric vehicle. The vehicle was parked outside of the charging zone at the time of the incident. The fire was reported by residents who noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from the vehicle. Firefighters from the Boram 119 Safety Center station, along with other units, arrived at the scene. The fire was extinguished using an internal hydrant and a fire blanket which prevented oxygen from reaching the flames. The operation was completed approximately one hour after the fire started. Thanks to the efficient actions of the firefighters, the fire was contained and did not spread to other vehicles or the garage infrastructure, which remained undamaged. There were no injuries reported during the incident. According to a statement by a fire department representative[4], the vehicle was completely destroyed, and the fire likely originated from a thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery. The case was subsequently subject to further investigation by Hyundai and the National Forensic Service. However, the results of the investigation are not yet available.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV during GM recall actions, Thetford, USA
01.07.2021
US
Battery
149
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water
On the morning of July 1st, 2021, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV belonging to state representative Timothy Briglin in Thetford, Vermont, USA. The vehicle was parked in the driveway of his home and plugged in to charge, with charging reportedly completed around 4:00 AM according to the display. At approximately 6:30 AM, the owner noticed thick smoke coming from the area of the rear seat. He disconnected the vehicle from the charger and called 911. The local fire department arrived within 10 minutes and extinguished the fire, preventing more extensive damage to the property and surrounding area. However, the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The incident was reported to the Vermont State Police around 9:00 AM, and an investigation commenced. Experts located the origin of the fire in the rear seat area and identified a non-specific electrical system malfunction as the likely cause. There were no injuries reported during the incident. This incident is part of a series of fires involving the Chevrolet Bolt EV model that led to a recall by the manufacturer, covering nearly 69,000 vehicles from model years 2017 to 2019. Mr. Briglin's vehicle had previously been serviced as part of this recall, but the fire still occurred. The case is still under investigation. evft perspective General Motors (GM) initially issued a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV models manufactured between 2017 and 2019 due to a fire risk caused by a manufacturing defect in battery modules. The recall was later expanded to include models from 2020 to 2022 as battery problems persisted. The manufacturer identified two rare manufacturing defects in the battery cells that could lead to short circuits and subsequent fires. As a solution, the company offered replacement of defective battery modules and a software update for advanced battery monitoring. These measures were intended to reduce the risk of fire and increase vehicle safety.
Fire of a Tesla Model S Plaid in Pennsylvania
29.06.2021
US
Battery
150
Tesla Model S Plaid 2021
Water
On June 29, 2021, a fire broke out in a new Tesla Model S Plaid electric car in Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA, just three days after it was delivered to its owner. While driving, the driver noticed smoke and then flames coming from the rear of the vehicle. When attempting to exit the car, the electronic door system failed, preventing immediate escape. He was eventually able to manually force open the doors and escape unharmed. After the driver exited the vehicle, the car continued to move autonomously for approximately 10 to 12 meters before being completely engulfed in flames. Two fire crews responded to the scene and battled the blaze for over three hours. Thousands of liters of water were used to extinguish the batteries fully. The vehicle was subsequently moved to a secure location for further investigation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it is monitoring the incident and gathering information on potential technical causes of the fire. However, the results of the investigation are not yet known. Tesla has not publicly commented on the case.
There was a fire involving an electric Hyundai Kona vehicle in Norway.
23.06.2021
NO
Battery
65
Hyundai Kona 2020
Water / Fire blanket / Container
On June 23rd, 2024, a fire broke out in an electric Hyundai Kona parked on Båhusveien street in the Sinsen district of Oslo, Norway. Firefighters were called to the scene shortly after 10:30 am. They began extinguishing the fire with water, but flames were still visible underneath the car. To stabilize the situation and gain full control of the fire, they used a fire blanket. At approximately 12:30 pm, the vehicle was placed into a watertight container filled with water to minimize the risk of reignition. The car remained submerged for at least 72 hours, which is standard procedure when extinguishing electric vehicles due to the risk of battery reignition. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the police in cooperation with Hyundai. The vehicle was not connected to a charging station at the time of the incident and the cause of the fire is currently unknown. Hyundai previously announced a global recall for 75,680 Kona Electric models manufactured between 2017 and 2020 due to a manufacturing defect in the batteries produced by LG Energy Solution. According to Hyundai, however, the specific vehicle that caught fire in Oslo was not included in the battery replacement program.
A fire in a Renault Zoe caused serious injuries to two people.
13.06.2021
FR
Unknown
34
Renault Zoe
-
At the intersection from Cers to Sérignan in the town of Villeneuve-lès-Béziers in Hérault, France, a fire broke out in an electric Renault Zoe vehicle during the afternoon hours, causing significant damage. Two passengers were in the vehicle and sustained injuries. One person suffered severe third-degree burns on 40% of their body and was airlifted in critical condition to the University Hospital in Montpellier for burn treatment. The second person suffered minor burns and was transported to the hospital in Béziers. The flames also spread to a surrounding grassy area of 100 m² and the vehicle was completely destroyed as a result of the fire. Police from the Béziers PD initiated an investigation to determine the origin of the fire.
Electric car fire in the city of Mullhouse
31.05.2021
FR
Unknown
35
Renault Zoe
Water
Around 4:00 PM, an electric Renault Zoe caught fire in a private parking lot at the botanical and zoological park in Mulhouse, France. The electric vehicle, which belonged to Mulhouse Alsace Agglomeration (M2A), was engulfed in flames, requiring intervention from firefighters. They used a variable flow hose to extinguish the blaze. Further information about this incident is not yet available.
A BMW vehicle caught fire on the road
02.05.2021
NZ
Unknown
60
BMW i3 REX
Water
A BMW i3 REX hybrid vehicle caught fire on the road between the towns of Picton and Nelson in New Zealand. The fire was preceded by a warning on the dashboard that read: “You cannot continue driving, please contact your dealer immediately”. Shortly after, smoke began to emerge from the vehicle and flames appeared under the rear wheel arch. Within two minutes, the entire car was engulfed in flames. The occupants of the vehicle exited safely and the fire was extinguished by firefighters who arrived at the scene approximately 10 minutes later. The cause of the fire is not yet known[1].
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in the garage of a family home, Virginia
01.05.2021
US
Battery
116
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water
On May 1st, 2021, around 11:00 AM, a fire broke out in a Chevrolet Bolt EV (2019) parked inside the garage of a family home in Brambleton, Virginia, USA. The vehicle had been charging overnight and was disconnected from the charger earlier that morning at approximately 75% charge. After several hours of being parked, smoke began to emanate from under the vehicle and the rear seats, which subsequently developed into flames. The owner noticed the thick smoke coming from the vehicle and immediately evacuated his family from the house. Attempts to extinguish the flames using a kitchen fire extinguisher were unsuccessful. The fire quickly spread to other items in the garage, including a motorcycle and a snow blower. The flames also damaged a neighboring Nissan Armada parked in front of the garage and extended to the upper floor of the house, affecting the master bedroom. Firefighters from Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue, along with professional units from surrounding areas, responded to the scene. The fire was extinguished using a large amount of water, and firefighters also ensured the cooling of the vehicle's battery, which remained unstable for several hours after being extinguished. The fire caused significant damage estimated at $235,000, including $85,000 in vehicle damage. The firefighting efforts also resulted in flooding on the ground floor and basement of the house. The vehicle had already received a temporary safety software update to reduce the maximum battery charge to 95%, which was part of a previous recall action. However, the final repair intended to permanently resolve this issue had not yet been performed. There were no injuries during the incident. All five adults and two children in the household escaped unharmed. The owner expressed gratitude for the firefighters' quick response, which prevented further damage. The vehicle manufacturer, General Motors, confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that they are investigating the situation. Further details regarding the cause of the fire are not yet available.
A BMW i3 parked in a garage caught fire during the night
27.04.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
57
BMW i3
Water
A fire broke out in a garage on Heermannstraße street in the town of Schorndorf, destroying an electric BMW vehicle. The fire started around 2:00 am. Seven fire trucks and approximately 30 members of the volunteer fire brigade, as well as the ambulance service and police, including a police helicopter[1][5], were deployed to the scene. After extinguishing the fire, the wreckage of the vehicle was removed from the garage and towed away. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but according to the police, the vehicle was not connected to the electrical grid at the time of the fire. There were no injuries during the incident, and the damage is estimated at approximately 70,000 euros[4][5]. evft perspective The nature of the damage may suggest that the fire started in the rear of the vehicle. Vehicles of the i3 REX (Range Extender) type were particularly susceptible to this. However, it is not possible to verify from the available information whether this was the version involved.
Electric vehicle fire in a parking lot
16.04.2021
DE
Battery
58
BMW i3
Water / Container
On Friday morning at 7:20 am, a fire broke out in an electric vehicle parked at the town hall parking lot in Alpen, Germany. Upon arrival, emergency responders determined that smoke was coming from the battery area[1][2]. Firefighters began cooling the battery, but the situation escalated when several battery cells started to explode[1]. The hazardous zone around the electric vehicle was expanded, and nearby shops and the parking lot were evacuated. The Alpen Volunteer Fire Department, which responded to the incident, received assistance from the Duisburg Fire Department. These firefighters used a crane to place the vehicle into a water-filled container where the battery continued to be cooled. The entire operation lasted approximately six hours and involved 25 firefighters[1]. Firefighters from the Alpen Volunteer Fire Department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr Alpen) were assisted by colleagues from the Duisburg Fire Department (Feuerwehr Duisburg), who used a crane to place the vehicle into a water-filled container where the battery continued to be cooled. The entire operation lasted approximately six hours and involved 25 firefighters[1].
Fire of a Tesla Model Y during washing in Los Angeles
18.03.2021
US
Electronics
176
Tesla Model Y
Water
The owner of a Tesla Model Y in Los Angeles, California, USA, smelled smoke while washing her car and noticed that her vehicle was behaving strangely – the rear doors and windows opened on their own. When she tried to enter the car through the driver's side door, she found it locked. Moving to the passenger door, she detected an intense smell of smoke[2]. She immediately grabbed her phone and a fire extinguisher and called for help. The vehicle had been parked in the driveway for about an hour before the washing began, was not plugged in for charging, the air conditioning and heating were off, and the battery was charged to approximately 74%. Firefighters who arrived at the scene used standard firefighting equipment to extinguish the fire. Video from the scene also shows them initially using a garden hose, directing the water stream directly at the source of the smoke, and later flames, which appeared to be in the vicinity of the 12V battery. No one was injured during the incident.
After exiting the tunnel, an electric vehicle caught fire.
17.02.2021
AT
Other (non-battery)
36
Renault Zoe
Water / Foam
An electric Renault Zoe caught fire on the A14 highway, shortly after exiting the Ambergtunnel in the direction of Bregenz, Austria. The 32-year-old driver smelled burning during the drive through the middle of the tunnel. He managed to pull over onto the hard shoulder outside the tunnel and exit the vehicle safely. The car was then engulfed in flames. The Rankweil fire brigade[1] with three vehicles and the ÖBB fire department were dispatched to the scene. Due to the fire, the tunnel had to be closed for an hour and the ÖBB railway line near the incident for 15 minutes. evft perspective Available photos[1] and videos[3] clearly show that the fire mainly affected the front of the vehicle and the interior. From this, we conclude that it was not a fire in the traction battery, as this is located further back in the floor under the seats. The firefighters extinguished the fire relatively quickly, within about an hour, which also supports our claim.
V Bambergu vzbĺkol zaparkovaný elektromobil
16.02.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
37
Renault Zoe
Water
In the early morning hours in the city of Bamberg, Germany, an electric Renault Zoe parked between two houses caught fire, requiring a swift response from emergency services due to the risk of spreading to residential buildings. Local firefighters from Bamberg were dispatched to the scene. According to eyewitnesses, the fire originated in the front of the vehicle where it was connected to AC charging. The traction lithium-ion battery remained undamaged, allowing firefighters to quickly extinguish the blaze using water. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a safe location for monitoring over the next 24 hours. As reported by the Bamberg city police department, the incident resulted in approximately €10,000 worth of damage.
An electric car caught fire in the grounds of the Teterow hospital
29.01.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
38
Renault Zoe 2019
Water
On Friday evening, a two-year-old electric Renault Zoe caught fire in the grounds of a hospital in Teterow. The electric vehicle was parked at a fast-charging station that had been commissioned about six months before the incident. The material damage amounted to approximately 15,000 euros. Police filed a criminal complaint on suspicion of arson through negligence[1]. evft perspective The cause of the fire is not yet known, but based on available photographs of the incident, it is evident that the source of the fire was not the traction battery. The fire spread mainly in the front of the vehicle, while the battery is located in the underbody.
A Renault Zoe electric car caught fire.
25.01.2021
FR
Other (non-battery)
41
Renault Zoe
-
A fire broke out in a Renault Zoe electric car in the French town of Quimperlé. The driver and his daughter were in the car at the time but managed to escape safely. No one was injured during the incident, but traffic was severely disrupted. The suspected cause is an electrical short circuit[1][2].
In Munich, there was a fire involving an electric vehicle.
19.01.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
123
Audi e-tron
Water / Foam
An electric Audi e-tron caught fire in the afternoon on a parking lot on Frankfurter Ring street in Munich. A passerby noticed smoke coming from the car and called emergency services. By the time firefighters arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and a nearby building was evacuated. The fire was so intense that it damaged a nearby parked Škoda Kodiaq, a charging station, and several windows of the building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the car fire with foam and used a C-stream jet to cool the building's facade to prevent the fire from spreading. No one was injured during the incident and the damage was estimated at 100,000 euros. "Specialists from the automaker examined the electric vehicle. Since the battery did not ignite, it was possible to ensure its safe removal. Police have begun investigating the cause of the fire. Based on current findings, it is suspected that there was a technical malfunction on the vehicle."[3] evft perspective Although the fire was intense, photographs show that it mainly damaged the front of the vehicle, where the charging electronics are located. Therefore, this was not a fire of the traction battery, which is located in the floor of the vehicle, as claimed by source [3].
Fire of a Tesla Model 3 in an underground parking garage
19.01.2021
CN
Battery
151
Tesla Model 3
Foam / Powder extinguisher
In the early evening hours of January 19th, 2023, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle in an underground garage in the residential area of Qibao, Minhang District in Shanghai, China. The fire started as the vehicle was entering the underground parking lot. The driver felt a bump upon entering the garage and soon noticed flames coming from the front of the vehicle. He quickly exited the car and called for help. The fire was accompanied by several explosions and rapidly spread, engulfing the vehicle in flames. Local security personnel attempted to extinguish the fire using handheld fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful. Three fire trucks soon arrived at the scene and began extinguishing the fire using a large amount of firefighting foam. The fire was brought under control in about half an hour, but the Tesla was completely destroyed. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to surrounding vehicles and there were no reported injuries. Authorities stated that the cause of the fire was likely damage to a battery module caused by the impact to the underside of the vehicle, which subsequently caused a thermal runaway and ignition of the battery. Tesla is cooperating with the fire department and assisting the vehicle owner with insurance claims.
Fire of two electric cars in Hüttigweiler with unclear cause
03.01.2021
DE
Other (non-battery)
42
Renault Zoe
Skoda CITIGOe iV
Foam
In the early morning hours, a fire broke out involving two electric cars in a parking lot at the Caritas - Center for Care and Counseling building in the town of Hüttigweiler, Germany. Residents, upon observing flames and heavy smoke, called emergency services. Upon arrival, the volunteer fire department Feuerwehr Illingen[1] found one vehicle fully engulfed in flames, while the other was only partially ablaze. Both vehicles were connected to charging stations at the time of the incident. First responders disconnected the cables from the charging stations. The fire was so intense that firefighters erected a barrier towards the building to prevent its spread. Firefighters from the Welschbach district were also called for assistance. A large amount of extinguishing foam was used to put out the electric vehicles, and water was used to cool the surrounding area. The operation lasted approximately 4 hours. According to the ERG (emergency response guide) documents of the vehicles and further on-site investigation, it was determined that the high-voltage system and traction batteries of the vehicles were not damaged. The fire originated in a Renault Zoe vehicle from unknown causes, and damages are estimated at approximately €45,000.
Fire of Tesla electric vehicles in San Ramon, California
30.12.2020
US
Battery
152
Tesla Model S 2013
Tesla Model X 2017
Water
On the morning of December 30th, 2020, at approximately 5:30 AM, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home in San Ramon, California, destroying two Tesla electric vehicles – a 2013 Model S and a 2017 Model X. The Model S was plugged in and charging at the time of the fire. The homeowner received two text messages from Tesla shortly before the fire. The first, at 5:25 AM, notified him of a charging interruption with the battery at a state of charge of 290 km (180 miles), and the second message alerted him to the activation of the vehicle's alarm. Five minutes later, the homeowners awoke to loud explosions and discovered that the garage was engulfed in flames. The couple managed to evacuate safely from the ground floor of their home. The fire was very intense, with explosions blowing out the metal garage doors, and flames spreading to the house. Firefighters arrived on scene with multiple units and extinguished the blaze, but the house sustained significant damage, with estimated damages exceeding $1 million. The vehicles were completely destroyed. An investigation by the local San Ramon Valley Fire Department concluded that the probable cause of the fire was either the battery thermal management system (Thermal Management System) or the electrical system of the Model S during charging.
Fire of a Renault Zoe at Sandvika Storsenter, Norway
29.12.2020
NO
Other (non-battery)
43
Renault Zoe 2017
-
On December 29th, 2020, at approximately 7:20 PM, a fire was reported involving a 2017 Renault Zoe electric vehicle in the underground parking garage of the Sandvika Storsenter shopping center in Bærum, Norway. Firefighters arrived shortly after the report and extinguished the fire within 35 minutes. The sprinkler system in the parking garage did not activate during the fire, raising questions about its functionality. The center's management stated that the system had undergone regular inspections and no deficiencies were found during the last inspection. The vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire, but thanks to the quick response, no other vehicles in the vicinity were damaged. However, some cars were affected by smoke and their owners could only pick them up the following day. Police did not identify the cause of the fire and stated that due to the absence of signs of criminal activity, they would not continue the investigation. The incident was handed over to the insurance company for further investigation. evft perspective The Renault Zoe is one of the few vehicles capable of charging at 22 kW, which is double the power of standard AC charging (11 kW). The onboard charger (Chameleon charger) is integrated into the motor, located in the front of the vehicle, where the fire reportedly occurred according to available information. According to [1], a wallbox was also located at the front, so a problem with the electrical installation during high-current charging cannot be ruled out.
An electric car caught fire while parked in Oslo
15.12.2020
NO
Unknown
44
Renault Zoe
Water
A fire broke out in an electric Renault Zoe parked on Seterbråtveien in the Bjørndal district of Oslo during the night. The vehicle was not charging at the time of the incident and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, 20 minutes after receiving the report. According to operations officer André Kråkenes from the Oslo Police District, they did not receive any information suggesting arson. The damaged Renault was towed away for a technical inspection. evft perspective The speed at which the fire was extinguished suggests that the vehicle's traction battery was not damaged and there was no thermal runaway.
Tesla Model S Fire During Driving in Texas
23.11.2020
US
Battery
153
Tesla Model S 85D 2015
Water
On November 23rd, 2020, an incident occurred in Frisco, Texas, USA, where a 2015 Tesla Model S caught fire. The vehicle's owner, Usmaan Ahmad, heard loud metallic noises while driving and immediately pulled over to the side of the road to investigate. Upon exiting the vehicle, he observed flames shooting from the area near the front right wheel, which he described as a stream of fire like a flamethrower. He promptly contacted emergency services. Ahmad stated that the battery was charged to approximately 60% and he had only been driving for a few seconds when smoke appeared, followed by flames. The fire quickly spread in the front of the vehicle, with the most intense burning occurring around the right front wheel, where his wife would typically sit. Firefighters from the Frisco Fire Department arrived at the scene within minutes and extinguished the fire in approximately ten minutes. Despite their swift response, the vehicle sustained extensive damage. During the firefighting efforts, they encountered an issue with the electronic doors, whose handles only deploy upon detection of the key fob near the vehicle. Ahmad added that the key fob was not functioning at the time, and one of the firefighters commented that he was lucky to have escaped in time. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, although Ahmad suspects a battery explosion may have occurred. The incident is under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is already looking into similar cases of battery fires in older models of Tesla Model S and X vehicles.
An electric vehicle caught fire in front of the town hall in Voerendaal last night.
11.11.2020
NL
Vandalism
59
BMW i3 2019
-
A fire broke out in an electric BMW i3 parked near the town hall in Voerendaal. Firefighters received a report of the incident around 11:15 PM, but despite their quick response, they were unable to prevent the vehicle from burning completely, especially its rear section[1]. At the time of the fire, the car was connected to a charging station[5]. It was later determined that the fire was deliberately set, as confirmed by footage from city cameras [2].
Nissan LEAF Fire
03.11.2020
UA
Vandalism
69
Nissan LEAF
Foam
On the night of November 3rd, 2020, a fire broke out in a Nissan Leaf electric car on Pарусna 1 street in Černomorsk, Ukraine. Firefighters received the report about the incident at 2:58 local time. Upon arrival, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames. Two specialized vehicles and six firefighters were deployed to the scene, who contained and extinguished the fire. Despite the quick response, the electric car was completely destroyed. Preliminary investigation suggests that the cause of the fire was likely arson by an unknown person. There were no reported casualties or injuries during the incident.
Electric Vehicle Fire in the City of Lagenfeld
01.11.2020
DE
Battery
95
Opel Ampera-e 2017
Water / Container
On November 1st, 2020, in the early morning hours, a fire broke out in an electric vehicle connected to a charging station on Robert-Koch-Straße street in the German town of Langenfeld. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters observed thick smoke and flames emanating from the vehicle. After quickly disconnecting the electric vehicle from the charging station, they began intensive firefighting efforts. Due to the specific requirements associated with electric vehicle fires, an additional fire crew and incident commander were called to the scene. The fire was extinguished in a short time; however, the vehicle's battery still showed signs of active thermal runaway, requiring a special solution. Using a crane, the vehicle was moved into a container filled with approximately 5,000 liters of water. This procedure allowed for the safe cooling of the battery and eliminated the risk of re-ignition. Sewage service workers, the water management inspectorate, and an energy company, which ensured the disconnection of the charging station, also intervened at the scene. The entire operation was completed around 6 a.m. The exact cause of the fire is unknown. No injuries were reported during the incident.
A fully charged BYD Qin Pro spontaneously combusted upon starting
28.10.2020
CN
Battery
92
BYD Qin Pro
-
On October 28, 2020, a fire involving a BYD Qin Pro EV occurred in the Chinese city of Yantai. The incident took place at the Yantai Changning Lute Laidian DC fast charging station, where the vehicle had finished charging at 11:59 PM. At approximately 2:00 AM the following day, the owner disconnected the charging gun and at 2:05 AM, while starting the vehicle, noticed an unusual sound and smoke coming from under the car, followed by a fire. The owner immediately contacted firefighters. According to available information, there were no reported injuries. Details about the firefighters' response, any official statements from BYD, or the exact cause of the fire are unknown. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the fire. evft perspective Based on the description of the incident, it is likely that the source of the fire was the vehicle's lithium-ion battery. After charging was completed, the battery may have overheated or experienced an electrical short circuit, leading to thermal runaway and subsequently a fire. However, only a thorough investigation can determine the precise cause of the fire. We observe a similar incident in our database that occurred in Shenzhen, China, during the same year.[5] Several fires involving BYD Qin Pro EV vehicles were reported in China in 2020. These events suggest there could be recurring issues related to the batteries. However, the specific causes of these incidents remain unknown.
Fire of two electric vehicles in the city of Trondheim
21.10.2020
NO
Other (non-battery)
25
Peugeot Partner Electric
Peugeot Partner Teepee Electric
Water
A fire broke out in the evening involving two Peugeot electric vehicles at the Torggårdsletta warehouse in Trondheim, Norway. Firefighters managed to eliminate the risk of fire spreading and quickly brought the blaze under control and extinguished it. The vehicle where the fire originated was burned to such an extent that it became unusable. evft perspective Given that the information about the fire being extinguished was published 29 minutes after it was reported [4], we conclude that this was not a battery fire. This is also suggested by the fact that, according to the available photograph [1], the floor appears undamaged and the fire mainly destroyed the interior.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Monroe, New Jersey, USA
21.10.2020
US
External – Charger
108
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
-
On October 21st, 2020, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home on St. James Street in Monroe, New Jersey, USA, involving a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The vehicle had been plugged in charging overnight, which was a common practice for the owners over the past two years. The fire started around 3:00 am when the owners were awakened by the sound of smoke alarms. Upon opening the garage door, they discovered that the Chevrolet Bolt was already engulfed in flames and the garage was filled with thick smoke. After an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, they called 911. Firefighters from the Monroe Township Fire Department and Spotswood Fire Department arrived at the scene approximately 15 minutes later, but by then the flames had spread to another vehicle parked in the garage and to adjacent rooms of the house. The fire damaged several rooms, while the rest of the house suffered extensive smoke and soot damage, rendering it uninhabitable. All occupants of the house evacuated safely and sustained no injuries. One firefighter sprained his ankle and was treated at the scene. The investigation determined the cause of the fire to be an electrical malfunction at the location where the vehicle was plugged in for charging. The fire was ruled accidental.
Fire at a Tesla dealership
21.10.2020
SE
Vandalism
154
Tesla Model S
Water
A serious incident occurred in the Swedish city of Malmö, where eight electric vehicles caught fire. The incident took place shortly after 1:00 am in a parking lot at a Tesla service and sales center. The fire broke out in multiple locations across an area of 300 to 400 square meters, suggesting that the fire did not spread only from vehicle to vehicle but was likely intentionally set in several places. Firefighters prioritized protecting the building housing additional vehicles during the firefighting efforts. They subsequently managed to extinguish the remaining burning Teslas scattered throughout the outdoor premises. A public warning was issued during the operation due to dangerous fumes that could cause health problems. Despite the serious circumstances, the incident resulted in no injuries. Police have launched an investigation, with the lead rescuers and local authorities citing arson as the most likely cause. The fire caused significant material damage and is subject to further investigation.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV on a driveway in Jacksonville
16.10.2020
US
Battery
107
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water
On October 16th, 2020, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV at the driveway of a family home in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. The vehicle was plugged in and charging overnight using a certified Level 2 ChargePoint charging station. The fire started approximately 1.5 hours after the charging was completed, which ended at 6:30 AM. Witnesses reported that smoke initially emerged from under the vehicle, followed by a series of popping sounds. Within ten minutes, the car was engulfed in flames. The flames were concentrated on the area around the rear seats and battery module. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. There were no injuries reported during the incident. The vehicle owner stated that he had been using the car for 22 months, covering approximately 48,000 kilometers, and had never experienced any issues with it previously. The incident drew further attention from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which had already initiated an investigation into Chevrolet Bolt EV fires. Many of these fires originated in the rear seat area where the battery module is located. The incident is one of several cases that led General Motors to issue a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV models from 2017 to 2022.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Port St. Lucie, Florida
06.10.2020
US
Battery
105
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water
On October 6th, 2020, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home on Southwest Glen Road in Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA. The fire was reported at approximately 4:08 am. According to available information, the cause of the fire was a malfunction in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV that was plugged in and charging in the garage overnight. The homeowner woke up to the sound of an explosion and noticed smoke seeping under the garage door into the house. He quickly evacuated the home with his children, observing that the garage was already engulfed in flames. The family safely evacuated and sought refuge with neighbors, from where they called 911. Firefighters from the St. Lucie County Fire District arrived shortly after the fire was reported and were able to contain the flames before they spread to other parts of the house. However, the fire left the home uninhabitable due to extensive damage from smoke, water, and chemical residue. The family of four and their dog had to be temporarily displaced. The homeowner described the smell in the house as extremely unpleasant, with a chemical odor that was worse than typical fires. According to the homeowner's statement, the Chevrolet Bolt EV had been charging overnight, as he regularly did since purchasing the vehicle in December 2019. The fire department's investigation identified the origin of the fire in the vehicle's battery module. A team of experts, including fire investigators, engineers from General Motors, and a representative from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), responded to the scene and took the vehicle for further examination.
Fire of a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt
30.07.2020
US
Battery
115
Chevrolet Bolt 2017
Water
On July 30th, 2020 in Temecula, California, a fire occurred involving a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The vehicle's owner reported a decrease in range from over 230 miles to approximately 170 miles after about two years of use. Despite two service visits, she was told the vehicle was fine. On the day of the incident, the vehicle was plugged in charging when the owner heard a sound resembling a sudden air leak and discovered the garage was full of smoke. After disconnecting the vehicle and evacuating the house, she saw flames and heard an explosion. The fire caused significant damage to the home and its contents[2][4]. evft perspective This incident is one of several that led General Motors to issue a recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV models from 2017 to 2019[3]. On November 13th, 2020, the company announced that some vehicles were equipped with high-voltage batteries manufactured at the LG Chem plant in Ochang, Korea, which may pose a fire risk when charged to full or near-full capacity. As a temporary measure, it was recommended to limit battery charging to 90% of its capacity. Subsequently, in August 2021, the recall was expanded to include all Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV models from 2017 to 2022, encompassing approximately 142,000 vehicles. General Motors announced that in collaboration with battery supplier LG Chem, they identified two rare manufacturing defects in battery cells that could lead to a fire. As a solution, it was decided to replace the defective battery modules in all affected vehicles[5].
A Chevrolet Bolt began smoking in a parking lot
04.07.2020
US
Battery
106
Chevrolet Bolt 2019
Water
On July 4th, 2020, a fire broke out in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV at a residential parking lot in Vienna, Virginia, USA. The vehicle was fully charged and parked after approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) of driving. About 20 minutes later, neighbors noticed thick white and gray smoke coming from the rear of the car. The owner immediately called emergency services (911). Although visible flames were not present, firefighters broke the rear window to gain access to the source of the smoke and cooled the car with water for about an hour. However, after the firefighters left, the smoke reappeared, requiring a second intervention. The heat was so intense that it partially burned the rear seat. After cooling, the vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was purchased, but upon arrival, it started smoking again, this time in the area of the front passenger seat. After three instances of self-ignition within four hours, the insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. The owner stated that the vehicle had not shown any problems or warning signs before the incident. The fire was also noticed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)[2], which included it in its assessment. General Motors (GM) was initially reluctant to investigate the incident but promised to do so after media attention.
A fully charged Chevy Bolt caught fire in a parking lot
29.06.2020
US
Battery
104
Chevy Bolt 2019
Water / Powder extinguisher
On June 29, 2020, a fire broke out in a Chevrolet Bolt EV at a parking lot in Miami, Florida, USA. The vehicle was fully charged and parked in front of an auto repair shop where it was awaiting repair for minor body damage. According to witnesses, the fire started in the area of the rear battery compartment. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue firefighters initially removed the rear seat to access the battery, which they then cooled with water and used a dry chemical extinguisher on. After extinguishing the fire, they disconnected the vehicle's power supply. Approximately half an hour later, they were called back as the battery was still smoldering. Eventually, they had to move the vehicle to the side of the road where they let it burn out in a controlled manner. No one was injured during the incident, but the flames damaged the interior of the car, including a child's car seat. The vehicle was subsequently turned over to the insurance company and later sold at auction. The incident was investigated by the manufacturer, General Motors, which later identified two manufacturing defects in the batteries and initiated a large-scale recall of Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. This included more than 141,000 vehicles, including those manufactured during the same period as this vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigated a total of 24 reports of battery fires in Bolt models and closed the investigation after the manufacturer took corrective actions.
Spontaneous combustion of a BYD Qin Pro in the city of Shenzhen
28.05.2020
CN
Unknown
91
BYD Qin Pro EV
Water
On May 28, 2020, an electric vehicle fire occurred in the Chinese city of Shenzhen involving a BYD Qin Pro EV. The incident took place at a public charging station; however, according to available information, the vehicle was not connected to a charging device at the time the fire started. The car had finished charging around 4:00 am and was subsequently moved to an adjacent parking space. The vehicle ignited around 6:00 am. Video footage shows the fire originating in the lower part of the car, specifically on the left side of the undercarriage, and rapidly spreading. The intense fire destroyed the automobile to such an extent that only the metal frame remained. A man was present at the scene and attempted to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher, but without success. The fire was finally extinguished after firefighters arrived. There were no reported injuries during the incident, and surrounding vehicles remained undamaged.
Fire of a Tesla Model 3 after it overturned
01.04.2020
TW
Traffic accident
156
Tesla Model 3
Water
On April 1st, 2020, a serious traffic accident occurred in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, involving a Tesla Model 3 that flipped over and subsequently caught fire. According to available information, the vehicle collided with a median strip, causing it to overturn onto its right side and ignite. Despite the swift response of firefighters, the driver was found lifeless and pronounced dead after being transported to the hospital.
First known fire of a Porsche Taycan
16.02.2020
US
Unknown
81
Porsche Taycan 2020
-
On the night of February 16th, 2020, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home in southern Florida, USA, involving an electric Porsche Taycan vehicle. According to witnesses, the incident was accompanied by an explosion followed by a large fire. The flames spread rapidly, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle and significant damage to the garage. Videos[4] of the aftermath posted on social media show the extent of the damage. No one was injured in the incident. Porsche confirmed that this is the first known case of a Taycan fire and has begun cooperating with relevant authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been released, and there is no evidence to suggest it was due to a design flaw in the vehicle or that the battery was the source of the fire.
An electric Tesla Model X caught fire while charging in England
12.11.2019
GB
Unknown
157
Tesla Model X 2017
Water
On November 12th, 2019, a serious fire occurred in Chester, England, involving a 2017 Tesla Model X. The vehicle was parked outside the home of its owner, Ben Wood, who had left it charging overnight. In the middle of the night, Wood woke up to bright light and discovered that his Tesla was engulfed in flames. The fire originated in the front of the vehicle, despite the charging port being located at the rear. Flames consumed the front portion within minutes and quickly spread, resulting in the complete destruction of the vehicle, leaving only its basic metal frame. Wood later shared a video of the incident on social media [2], expressing shock and concern that such a situation could occur with a legally sold vehicle. Further details regarding the cause of the fire are not yet known.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Kyiv
20.09.2019
UA
Battery
103
Chevrolet Bolt 2017
Water
On September 20th, 2019, a fire broke out in an electric vehicle, a Chevrolet Bolt EV, in the city of Kyiv, Ukraine. The incident occurred in the evening hours in the courtyard of an apartment building, several hours after the vehicle had been fully charged at a public charging station. The owner of the vehicle parked the car at his home after approximately a 10-minute drive. He then spent 15 minutes inside the turned-off vehicle before going into his house. Approximately two hours later, witnesses observed thick white and gray smoke emanating from the area of the left rear wheel. According to witnesses, the smoke was accompanied by sparks, after which the vehicle suddenly burst into flames. Firefighters received a report of the fire at approximately 6:00 PM. Upon their arrival, the vehicle was already engulfed in flames, posing a risk of the fire spreading to a nearby ground-floor building. The swift action of ten firefighters with two pieces of equipment prevented further damage. There were no reported injuries or damage to other property during the incident. According to preliminary information from the fire department, the probable cause of the fire was a short circuit in the vehicle's electrical system. The incident is under investigation. Considering that the Chevrolet Bolt EV was not officially sold on the Ukrainian market, it was an individually imported vehicle that may have been modified to meet European charging standards. These modifications could theoretically have contributed to the technical problem, but the final cause has not yet been confirmed.
A Tesla vehicle plugged into a fast charger caught fire
01.06.2019
BE
Unknown
159
Tesla Model S
Water / Container
In the Belgian city of Antwerp, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S vehicle that was connected to a Supercharger fast-charging station at the Novotel hotel on Luithagen-Haven street. The driver parked the vehicle and plugged it in to charge, but when he returned a short time later, he found his Tesla and the charging station engulfed in flames. The Antwerp fire department responded quickly and used a special method to extinguish the fire completely, submerging the entire vehicle in a container filled with water. The vehicle remained in the container overnight to ensure complete battery cooling and prevent re-ignition. The exact cause of the incident is unknown, but firefighters stated that the fire was likely caused by a technical malfunction in the vehicle before charging began. evft perspective There have been several fires involving Tesla Model S electric vehicles prior to this incident. In connection with these, Tesla released a software update [1][3].
Tesla Model S Fire
12.05.2019
HK
Battery
160
Tesla Model S
Water / Sprinkler
On Sunday, May 12th, 2019, a Tesla Model S vehicle suddenly caught fire in Hong Kong. The owner stated that the car was charged to 97% using a Tesla Supercharger [4] station. After charging was complete, he moved the vehicle to a parking lot at the San Po Kong Plaza shopping mall where he parked it. Approximately 30 minutes later, cameras recorded smoke emanating from the car, followed by flames and three explosions. The smoke activated the sprinkler system, which automatically began extinguishing the fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire within 45 minutes. The incident resulted in no injuries and did not require evacuation. The electric vehicle owner reported that he had experienced problems with his vehicle last year, as it failed to start. After repairs at a Tesla service center, the same problem reappeared, but the vehicle was returned with an explanation that it was safe to drive. The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown and the incident is under investigation by local authorities and Tesla. According to preliminary information, only some battery modules were damaged on the electric vehicle, while most remained undamaged [4]. evft perspective Charging the battery to 97% is non-standard and it's possible that this pushed the vehicle's software into a certain limit state which may have contributed to the fire. As a precautionary measure, Tesla has implemented a software update that changes charging settings and battery thermal regulation in Models S and X to increase their safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. The goal of the new update is to manage temperature under all conditions, not just while driving. However, it is uncertain whether these changes in the updates are directly related to this fire [4][6].
Fire of a Tesla Model S parked in a garage
03.05.2019
US
Unknown
161
Tesla Model S 2014
Water / Powder extinguisher
In San Francisco on the 1300 block of 26th Avenue, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle. The vehicle had been parked in a residential garage for 28 hours when residents heard an explosion and smelled smoke coming from the garage. Residents immediately began extinguishing the fire with a fire extinguisher. After approximately 20 minutes, firefighters from the San Francisco Fire Department arrived on scene and fully extinguished the fire. According to an official statement from the fire department, their crew found the vehicle, which was not charging, emitting smoke near the rear right wheel. Responding firefighters safely removed the vehicle from the garage and disconnected its high-voltage battery to prevent further hazards. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and an investigation is underway. Tesla has stated that it does not yet have any information suggesting a problem with the vehicle itself.
Fire of a Tesla Model S in an underground garage, Shanghai
21.04.2019
CN
Battery
162
Tesla Model S
-
On April 21st, 2019, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle parked in an underground garage in the Xuhui district of Shanghai, China. The incident was captured on camera footage which showed the vehicle beginning to smoke before an explosion with flames erupted. The flames quickly spread to two other vehicles, an Audi and a Lexus, parked near the Tesla. Fifteen fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, arriving at 8:39 PM. It took firefighters almost an hour of intense effort to extinguish the blaze, finally putting it out around 9:18 PM [10]. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the incident, but the vehicles sustained damage. Tesla immediately sent a team of specialists who began an investigation in collaboration with local authorities and technical experts from China and the USA. The company stated in its report that the analysis focused on the vehicle's battery, software, and its history. After a thorough examination, they did not find any design flaws in the system but determined that the fire was caused by the failure of one of the battery modules located at the front of the vehicle. [6][11].
Tesla Model X caught fire twice
17.04.2019
US
Unknown
163
Tesla Model X
Water
On April 17, 2019, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model X electric vehicle at the Smeltz Auto Service auto repair facility in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, USA. The vehicle, which had previously caught fire in February in a garage in Fox Chapel[5], was transported to the Monroeville service center where it unexpectedly reignited. According to forensic engineers and service personnel, the vehicle was secured by a Tesla technician prior to transport. The technician removed the fuse from the battery module and claimed that the car was safe for transportation. However, approximately three hours after arriving at the service center, it spontaneously combusted. Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately four hours. A large amount of water was required to cool and extinguish the battery, and the fire caused extensive damage to the service center's parking lot as well. The vehicle burned down to its frame. The cause of the repeated ignition of the vehicle is not yet known.
An electric BMW i8 vehicle caught fire in a car dealership in Tilburg
25.03.2019
NL
Battery
53
BMW i8
Water / Container
In the early morning hours, a brand new plug-in hybrid BMW i8 began to smoke inside a car dealership in the Dutch city of Breda. Thanks to the quick response of employees and the local fire department, the vehicle was moved outside the building. Firefighters chose submerging the vehicle in a container of water as an effective extinguishing method for electric vehicles to prevent heat leakage from the battery. The vehicle was then monitored in the container for 24 hours. No injuries were reported during the incident and financial losses are expected to be covered by the dealership's insurance.
Fire of a Chevrolet Bolt EV in Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
17.03.2019
US
Battery
113
Chevrolet Bolt 2018
Water
On March 17th, 2019, a fire broke out in a 2018 Chevrolet Bolt EV on the driveway of a family home in Belmont, Massachusetts, USA. The vehicle was parked at approximately 3:45 PM and plugged into an AC charger, a JuiceBox Level 2. At 5:00 PM, the owners were alerted to a fire that originated in the rear of the car, likely in the battery pack area. Thick smoke began emanating from the vehicle, followed by a rapidly spreading fire. Firefighters battled the blaze for three hours, during which they had to evacuate the homeowners, their downstairs neighbors, and residents of an adjacent house. The vehicle was classified as a total loss. The fire also affected the home with thick, toxic smoke, requiring professional cleaning. The vehicle owners and their neighbors reported headaches caused by inhaling the toxic fumes. The incident did not result in any further serious injuries. General Motors confirmed that the fire originated in the batteries. The automaker sent two engineers from Detroit to inspect the JuiceBox charger and subsequently purchased the damaged vehicle from the insurance company for further investigation.
Fire of a Tesla Model X on frozen Lake Champlain
24.02.2019
US
Vandalism
164
Tesla Model X 2019
Water
On the evening of February 24th, 2019, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model X that was parked on the frozen Champlain lake in Shelburne Bay, Vermont, USA. The driver initially stated he had driven onto the ice for ice fishing, but after some time, he began to hear unusual noises and noticed the vehicle had caught fire. The vehicle was engulfed in flames around 8 pm, with small explosions accompanying the blaze that ultimately destroyed the entire car. A witness [2] who saw the fire through binoculars called 911. Firefighters from the Shelburne Fire Department arrived on the scene after approximately 30 minutes, but due to the specific terrain, their main equipment couldn't get close enough to the fire site as the weight of the vehicle could have compromised the ice. According to fire chief Jerry Ouimet's[1][3] statement, the Tesla Model X was already significantly affected by the fire when firefighters arrived. Support from surrounding units with lighter equipment also arrived, but the flames eventually consumed the entire vehicle, leaving only the basic metal frame on the frozen lake. The fire spread quickly, but fortunately, no one was injured. The owner, who was outside the vehicle during the incident, stated that he likely hit an ice block or rock, which may have damaged the vehicle. An investigation later revealed that the vehicle's owner, Michael Gonzalez, was involved in a fraudulent scheme where he acquired 5 Tesla vehicles using fake payment information and without fully paying for them. While he sold three of the vehicles to unsuspecting buyers, the Model X that ended up in flames on the frozen lake couldn't be sold because the manufacturer wouldn't release the ownership documents without full payment. Gonzalez subsequently intentionally set the vehicle on fire and filed an insurance claim for damages. This insurance claim raised suspicion, leading to the uncovering of the entire fraudulent scheme. In 2023, Gonzalez was charged with fraud and sentenced to 48 months in prison, along with a substantial financial penalty.[7][8].
Tesla Model S Fire
18.12.2018
US
Battery
165
Tesla Model S 2018
Water / Foam
On December 18th, 2018, an incident occurred in Los Gatos, California, where a Tesla Model S caught fire twice within the same day. The vehicle's owner received a tire pressure warning while driving on the highway, indicating a flat tire. He had the car towed to Los Gatos Tire and Auto Repair. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes after the vehicle arrived at the service center, employees noticed a hissing sound and smoke coming from the car. They immediately called the fire department. Firefighters quickly extinguished the initial fire, but then observed gas, vapor, and smoke emissions, suggesting an active thermal runaway in the battery. To prevent reignition, they cooled the vehicle for approximately six hours, consuming an estimated 7,570 liters of water. However, after the vehicle was transported to a tow yard in Campbell, it reignited at 10:00 PM. Firefighters spent another ten hours monitoring and extinguishing the vehicle to prevent further fires. The owner stated that he had owned the Tesla Model S for only three months and had driven approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 km). Tesla released a statement saying they are investigating the incident and are in contact with local emergency services. They also emphasized their relief that no injuries occurred during the incident. evft perspective Given that the incident began 5-10 minutes after the vehicle was delivered by the tow truck, it raises the question of whether the battery was damaged during transport. Without further evidence, this cannot be definitively determined.
Fire of a BMW i3 electric car in Bratislava
10.08.2018
SK
Other (non-battery)
117
BMW i3
Water
On the night of August 10th, 2018, a fire broke out in an electric BMW i3 car on Antolskej Street in Bratislava, Slovakia. Police patrols and firefighters were called to the scene around 00:45. The fire was extinguished without any injuries. The fire investigator did not rule out foul play at the scene. The preliminary damage to the vehicle was estimated at €55,000. The exact causes and circumstances of the fire were subject to further investigation.
Tesla Model 3 destroyed in fire at two homes in San Jose
11.07.2018
US
External
166
Tesla Model 3 2018
Water
On July 11th, 2018 at 1:42 PM, a large fire broke out at family homes located at 4963 Berkeland Court in San Jose, California. The external fire spread to the garage structure between two houses and caused significant damage to both properties. No residents were home at the time the fire started, but two families had to be subsequently displaced. There were no injuries during the incident. Firefighters contained the blaze by 2:40 PM and extinguished it completely by 3:00 PM. One of the affected garages housed a 2018 Tesla Model 3 which was completely destroyed by the fire. The wreckage of this vehicle later appeared at an auction for damaged vehicles. Records show that the vehicle was registered in California on April 5th, 2018 [2]. The exact cause of the fire is unknown. The fire captain stated that the fire originated outside the homes and then spread to the attached garage between them. A gas meter fire outside the house suggests that gas may have played a role in spreading the flames.
Fire of a Tesla Model S on Santa Monica Boulevard
15.06.2018
US
Battery
167
Tesla Model S
Water / Foam
On June 15, 2018, at approximately 5:30 PM, an incident occurred in West Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, where a Tesla Model S caught fire while driving. The vehicle was being driven by Michael Morris, husband of actress Mary McCormack. The fire started spontaneously during driving, without any prior collision or mechanical damage. Onlookers alerted the driver to smoke coming from under the vehicle. Morris immediately pulled over to the side of the road and safely exited the vehicle. Firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived at the scene and found that smoke and flames were emanating from the vehicle. They used water and foam to quickly extinguish them. However, smoke continued to emerge from under the vehicle. To ensure complete extinguishment, firefighters removed parts of the left front fender and hood cover, interrupted the high-voltage circuit, and applied additional water and foam to the area around the hood and behind the front wheels [8]. The cabin of the vehicle remained undamaged, suggesting that Tesla's battery architecture was effective in containing the fire to one battery module without affecting the others. No injuries were reported during the incident. Police and firefighters suspect that the fire originated in the battery system, but the exact cause has not been identified. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) sent an investigator to monitor the analysis of the case being conducted by Tesla. Tesla characterized this incident as extremely unusual and stated that its battery architecture is designed to minimize the risk of cabin damage in the event of a battery fire [7].
Fire in a Porsche Panamera after improper charging
16.03.2018
TH
External – Electrical Installation
207
Porsche Panamera 2017
Water
On March 16th, 2018, a fire broke out in a family home in the Taling Chan district of Bangkok, Thailand. The fire was caused by a Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that was charging. The residents of the house heard a loud explosion around 6:00 am and discovered that the vehicle was on fire. According to the homeowner and the vehicle's owner, the car was plugged in using an extension cord connected to an outlet in the living room of the house. The fire originated in the rear of the car and quickly spread through the charging cable, affecting the living room as well, causing significant damage. Firefighters arrived at the scene around 6:30 am and managed to bring the fire under control after 30 minutes. Despite their quick response, the fire completely destroyed the vehicle and part of the house.
Burned Tesla Model S
05.03.2018
NL
Vandalism
98
Tesla Model S
Water
Firefighters responded to a fire involving a Tesla electric vehicle in the city of Joure, Netherlands. According to their statement, the fire was concentrated in the front of the vehicle and the traction battery was not affected [1][2]. This incident occurred in March 2018 and approximately one month later, another electric vehicle borrowed by the owner caught fire. Police investigated the incident as a targeted act against the owner. This assumption was confirmed by video footage from the second incident [4]. After a thorough investigation, arson was confirmed and the perpetrators were convicted [5].
An electric Golf caught fire in the Triangel industrial area.
07.12.2017
DE
Battery
88
Volkswagen e-Golf
Water / Container
A fire broke out in an industrial area of the town of Triangel involving a Volkswagen E-Golf electric vehicle. Three fire crews from Triangel, Neudorf-Platendorf and Dannenbüttel responded to the scene. Firefighters first cooled the vehicle and then placed it in a container which they filled with water. The operation took approximately two hours and was completed without any injuries [1].
Fire at Gruber Motors workshop destroys rare electric cars
05.05.2017
US
Battery
179
Tesla Roadster
Water
On May 5th, 2017, a fire broke out at the Gruber Motors service center in north Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The service center, which specialized in electric vehicle battery repairs, lost at least five Tesla Roadsters, one of three rare AC Propulsion tZero electric vehicles ever made, and a Dodge Viper in the incident. The fire started shortly before 5:00 PM in the rear of the building. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that lithium-ion batteries were present in the facility, which significantly complicated extinguishing efforts with water. Flames quickly spread throughout the building, leading to roof collapse and complete destruction of its contents. Dozens of firefighters were called to the scene and focused on protecting surrounding buildings using a defensive strategy. Preliminary investigations suggested that an experimental battery repair on a Tesla Roadster, which was underway at the time, may have been the cause of the fire. However, the exact cause was never officially confirmed. Among the destroyed vehicles was also the AC Propulsion tZero, serial number 2, considered a predecessor to the Tesla Roadster. This rare electric vehicle, of which only three were ever produced, played a significant role in the history of electric vehicles and its loss represents a major blow to the electric vehicle enthusiast community. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any serious injuries. One employee was treated for throat irritation but there were no other significant health complications on site.
Fire of two Tesla Model S electric vehicles at the Jinqiao Supercharger station in Shanghai
04.03.2017
CN
Unknown
101
Tesla Model S P85
Tesla Model S
Powder extinguisher
On March 4th, 2017, in the afternoon, a fire broke out involving two Tesla Model S electric vehicles at the Jinqiao Supercharger charging station in Shanghai, China. The fire originated in a Tesla Model S P85 that was previously charging, with flames spreading to a second Tesla Model S parked next to it. Firefighters were immediately called and the fire was quickly extinguished. Footage of the incident shows the use of multiple dry chemical fire extinguishers. The response also involved evacuating other vehicles at the charging stations to prevent further damage. No injuries were reported during the incident. Tesla stated in a release that the cause of the fire was "voltage instability" in the charging station. This instability allegedly caused a sensor failure in the high-voltage junction box during charging, which subsequently led to the fire. The problem was linked to an expansion of the charging station from six to twelve charging stalls, which affected voltage stability. Tesla also announced that it would strengthen safety measures and further investigate the precise circumstances of the incident.
Tesla Model S Fire
08.10.2016
GB
Other (non-battery)
168
Tesla Model S 70D
Water
On October 8th, 2016, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S 70D vehicle in the British city of Manchester. The vehicle was parked in front of a family home and was not connected to charging. Approximately one hour after being parked, a fire erupted in the front of the vehicle. Firefighters who arrived at the scene quickly extinguished the flames, preventing them from spreading to the battery module. The fire was concentrated in the area of the front bumper, and since the battery was not affected, the firefighters' intervention was less complicated. However, the vehicle suffered significant damage and was subsequently declared a total loss. No injuries were reported during the incident. The investigation revealed that the source of the fire was a capacitor in the Battery Management System (BMS) located behind the front bumper, near the wheel arch. This component was damaged in a minor accident at a roundabout two months prior to the fire, when the vehicle collided with the car in front at a low speed (approximately 16 km/h). Repairs were carried out at an authorized Tesla service center after the accident, but they only focused on cosmetic damage and did not include replacing electronic components related to the Battery Management System. The fire occurred approximately two weeks after the repairs were completed. Tesla commissioned an independent investigator who concluded that the fire was likely related to damage caused by the previous accident. However, the insurance company did not confirm this connection, but nevertheless covered the cost of a new vehicle. The owner subsequently used the compensation to purchase another Tesla model. evft perspective It is unclear from the available materials whether the investigator meant capacitor as an electrical component or a condenser (which is also called a radiator) for the air conditioning system, which is located in the area where the fire originated.
A Tesla Model S caught fire during a test drive in France
15.08.2016
FR
Electronics
97
Tesla Model S 90D
Water
On August 15th, 2016, during a test drive of a Tesla Model S 90D electric car in Biarritz, France, the vehicle caught fire. The incident occurred during Tesla's summer promotional event "Electric Road Trip." Three passengers, including a Tesla employee, heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. A warning light about a charging problem appeared on the dashboard. The Tesla employee instructed the driver to pull over to the side of the road. All three passengers safely exited the vehicle, which shortly thereafter began to burn. Firefighters arrived quickly but the vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire. According to a statement from a Tesla spokesperson in France, the cause of the fire was a loose electrical connection that was not properly secured. This connection was manually installed, which is unusual as such connections are typically installed by robots. The company stated that this was an isolated incident and similar incidents had not been reported in other vehicles. Tesla also stated that they are cooperating closely with authorities to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Fire of a police BMW i3 REX in Rome
09.07.2016
IT
Unknown
230
BMW i3 REX
Water / Powder extinguisher
On May 15th, 2016, a fire broke out in a BMW i3 REX electric vehicle belonging to the state police in the Italian city of Rome. The incident occurred on Via Salaria, where the vehicle suddenly caught fire while on duty. According to witnesses and available footage, smoke began emanating from the rear of the vehicle, where the gasoline generator – known as a Range Extender (REX) – is located. Responding police officers used a handheld fire extinguisher, but despite their efforts, the fire quickly spread and the vehicle was engulfed in flames within moments. A fire crew was called to the scene and brought the blaze under control. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries during the incident. The vehicle was one of four BMW i3s acquired by the Italian police for official use as part of a special project. BMW confirmed that it is cooperating with the police to determine the cause of the fire, which is currently unknown.
Fire of a Tesla Model S during charging at a Supercharger station in Norway
01.01.2016
NO
Electronics
169
Tesla Model S 2014
Foam
On January 1st, 2016, a fire broke out in a 2014 Tesla Model S while it was charging at a Supercharger station in the industrial area of Brokelandsheia in southern Norway. The owner of the vehicle plugged it in to charge and then left the location. While he was away, the vehicle caught fire. The fire started shortly before 2:00 PM when flames began shooting from the front of the vehicle during charging. Firefighters were called to the scene and upon arrival, they found that the fire had engulfed the front of the vehicle and was beginning to threaten the battery system. Due to the risk of explosion from the lithium-ion battery, they decided to extinguish the fire with foam, which better controls the flames and reduces the risk of spreading. After several tens of minutes, the vehicle burned completely, leaving only metal structural parts. The charging station was subsequently temporarily closed. The investigation confirmed that the fire was caused by a short circuit in the vehicle's distribution box. The short circuit led to overheating of the electrical circuits during charging, which caused the flames to ignite. Tesla confirmed that this was an isolated incident and stated that charging at Supercharger stations is safe. The station reacted correctly and automatically shut down after detecting the short circuit. However, due to the extensive damage to the vehicle, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the short circuit.
Fire in a Nissan Leaf while driving in Flower Mound, Texas
01.09.2015
US
Other (non-battery)
74
Nissan LEAF SL 2013
Water
On September 1st, 2015, a fire broke out in a 2013 Nissan Leaf SL electric vehicle at the intersection of Cross Timbers Road and Kirkpatrick Lane in Flower Mound, Texas, USA. According to the owner's statement, the incident occurred during his morning commute. After turning onto Cross Timbers Road, the driver noticed an unusual burning smell. He attempted to safely pull over into the right lane to stop, but before reaching the nearest intersection, thick smoke began emanating from under the dashboard. Subsequently, flames appeared, penetrating the vehicle's interior through plastic components. The driver tried to stop the vehicle, but due to the rapidly spreading fire, he had to jump out while it was still in motion. He managed to salvage a few personal belongings and then called emergency services (911). Local fire crews arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. Despite their quick response, the vehicle was completely destroyed. There was no damage to surrounding vehicles or property, and the incident resulted in no injuries. The official cause of the fire has not been confirmed. Discussions on online forums suggest that the source may have been a malfunction in the 12-volt electrical system rather than the main traction battery. This case was recorded as the first known fire involving a Nissan Leaf vehicle. Nissan stated that they would investigate the incident, but further details were not released.
Fatal Tesla electric car accident in Malibu
22.06.2015
US
Traffic accident
170
Tesla Model S 2013
Water
On June 22nd, 2015, a tragic accident occurred on Malibu Canyon Road in California, USA, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old man from Calabasas. His 2013 Tesla Model S electric car veered off the road and plunged approximately 150 meters down a canyon. The impact with two boulders caused the vehicle's structure to break apart and subsequently catch fire. The driver sustained fatal injuries, and his body was severely damaged due to the fire. The fire that erupted after the crash spread over an area of about 1.2 hectares. It took 180 firefighters to extinguish it, one of whom suffered a minor injury. The incident resulted in the closure of Malibu Canyon Road for several hours. This road is a popular access route to the beaches. Guardrails were absent at the accident site, and the roadside shoulder was very narrow, which may have contributed to the vehicle leaving the roadway. The driver was identified based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), which was found among the wreckage.
An electric Tesla Model S caught fire in a garage in Toronto
14.02.2014
CA
Other (non-battery)
102
Tesla Model S 2013
-
On February 1st, 2014, a fire broke out in the garage of a family home in Toronto, Canada, involving a new Tesla Model S. The vehicle, which had been purchased only four months prior to the incident, was not connected to a charging station at the time of the fire. According to available information, the owner parked the vehicle after returning home. Shortly thereafter, the fire alarm activated and the owner immediately called the fire department. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly extinguished the intense fire and also evacuated a second vehicle – a Lexus – which was parked next to the Tesla from the garage. There were no injuries or loss of life during the incident. Tesla confirmed that the fire did not originate in the battery, charging system, adapter, or electrical outlet, as these components were undamaged. However, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Following the incident, Tesla dispatched its employees to the scene and offered the owner compensation for damages and inconvenience, which the owner declined.
A garage fire occurred in California involving a Tesla Model S
15.11.2013
US
External – Electrical Installation
96
Tesla Model S 2013
-
On November 15th, 2013, in the early morning hours, a garage fire occurred at a family home in Irvine, California, where a Tesla Model S electric car was plugged into a charging station. Firefighters arrived shortly after the fire was reported and extinguished it immediately. However, the garage, its contents, and the wall at the charging connection point sustained significant damage estimated at $25,000. The Tesla Model S suffered only smoke damage, and no one in the house was injured. According to a report by the Orange County Fire Authority, the probable cause of the fire was an electrical fault caused by high resistance in the wall outlet or the universal Tesla charging connector plugged into a 240-volt outlet. Cardboard boxes stored near the connection point contributed to the spread of the fire. However, Tesla denied in a statement that the electric car itself, its battery, or charging equipment was the cause of the fire. According to their investigation, the vehicle and its charging system were functioning correctly, and the battery was charging without any deviations in temperature or functionality.
Fire in a Tesla Model S after colliding with a metal object
02.10.2013
US
Traffic accident
171
Tesla Model S 2013
Water / Powder extinguisher
On October 1st, 2013, on Route 167 near the city of Kent, near Seattle, in the state of Washington, a fire broke out in a Tesla Model S electric vehicle after the vehicle struck a large metal object on the road. The driver of the Tesla Model S was traveling on the highway in the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane when he struck the metal object, which had fallen from a truck. The debris was large and sharp enough to penetrate the underbody armor of the vehicle and damage one of the 16 modules in the battery pack. The driver noticed a warning on the dashboard system instructing him to pull over safely. He pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder and exited without injury. Shortly thereafter, flames appeared, concentrated at the front of the vehicle where the damaged battery module was located. Firefighters from the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (formerly known as the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority) arrived on scene within three minutes of receiving the call[4]. The initial attempt to extinguish the fire with water actually worsened it, so they decided to use a dry chemical extinguisher. To reach the source of the fire, they had to cut open the front of the vehicle and make holes in the battery pack's protective shielding, through which they then applied water to the hot battery modules. After a combination of water and dry chemical extinguishers, the fire was brought under control. Although the flames initially reignited, they were eventually completely extinguished. All indications suggested that the fire was confined to the front of the vehicle and did not reach the passenger cabin. Tesla stated in a press release that the vehicle's construction and battery system design helped contain the fire. In an official statement, Tesla stated that the fire was not spontaneous but was directly related to the impact with the large metal object on the road. Despite the incident, Tesla emphasized that the vehicle's construction effectively prevented the spread of the fire into the cabin and kept the flames contained[7][8].