They even unplugged and raised the car.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...la-fire-burned-flooding-Hurricane-Helene.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...la-fire-burned-flooding-Hurricane-Helene.html
House flooded then Tesla burns it to the ground.
- Thread starter Trav
- Start date
dnewton3
Staff member
Seems simple to understand ...
This rarely happens to traditional 12v systems because the voltage is too low to generate the heat required to make something combust, and the typical battery doesn't have a large reserve of power. Flooded vehicles of this nature hardly ever catch on fire. The low voltage promotes corrosion when combined with the "dirty" flood water (laden with minerals and other particulate), but that corrosion typically just interrupts the signal paths, etc. In rare cases the corrosion can cause enough resistance to start a fire, but typically that corrosion affects the components performance long before a fire appears; the car owner is aware of problems before it catches on fire.
EVs have much higher voltage potential and that makes it easier to ignite stuff when water intrudes into the circuitry. That condition induces a much faster transfer of power; higher heat loading. Much easier to catch stuff on fire. The corrosion isn't in play. It's the simple principle of the electronic world; the immense power density of the large battery pack combined with high voltage potential combine to supply enough power to burn stuff quickly.
This rarely happens to traditional 12v systems because the voltage is too low to generate the heat required to make something combust, and the typical battery doesn't have a large reserve of power. Flooded vehicles of this nature hardly ever catch on fire. The low voltage promotes corrosion when combined with the "dirty" flood water (laden with minerals and other particulate), but that corrosion typically just interrupts the signal paths, etc. In rare cases the corrosion can cause enough resistance to start a fire, but typically that corrosion affects the components performance long before a fire appears; the car owner is aware of problems before it catches on fire.
EVs have much higher voltage potential and that makes it easier to ignite stuff when water intrudes into the circuitry. That condition induces a much faster transfer of power; higher heat loading. Much easier to catch stuff on fire. The corrosion isn't in play. It's the simple principle of the electronic world; the immense power density of the large battery pack combined with high voltage potential combine to supply enough power to burn stuff quickly.
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The battery chemistry is a key factor also. A big difference from ICE electrical systems, like the power storage potential as you stated.
I wonder what the insurance nightmare could be for such an occurrence.
Articles says: "Tesla has also offered similar advice and suggested that if vehicles do end up being exposed to salt water, they should be at least 50 feet away from structures or anything combustible until it can be inspected by a mechanic."
Sounds like a good idea. Along the US and Canadian west coast there is a major risk of a tsunami when we eventually get "the big one" (this century, next century - who knows). Seems we'll have as much as a half hour's warning (of the tsunami). We're on fairly high ground and have a strong house but it would be sensible to get the Tesla out of the garage and onto even higher ground as part of the "last minute things to do".
Sounds like a good idea. Along the US and Canadian west coast there is a major risk of a tsunami when we eventually get "the big one" (this century, next century - who knows). Seems we'll have as much as a half hour's warning (of the tsunami). We're on fairly high ground and have a strong house but it would be sensible to get the Tesla out of the garage and onto even higher ground as part of the "last minute things to do".
Sounds like a headache I don't need especially if I lived in an area prone to that risk. 50' away means I'd be putting a neighbor at risk, I'll pass on that too. I better hide.
In the case of flooding, it is understandable how an electrical fire can occur and spread. Unfortunately, there are now far too many cases of fires that clearly originated in the cell itself.
I speculate that in our quest for ever more energy density, which by the way happened 20+ years ago, the chance of a cell internally shorting is increased. Dendrites grow and directly short out a cell. Components that are not perfectly manufactured can eventually touch and short out a cell, overheating remains a problem, and so on.
I speculate that in our quest for ever more energy density, which by the way happened 20+ years ago, the chance of a cell internally shorting is increased. Dendrites grow and directly short out a cell. Components that are not perfectly manufactured can eventually touch and short out a cell, overheating remains a problem, and so on.
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If that garage was attached to living quarters, it was required to have fireboard, it obviously didn't.
Normally, one would jokingly say "The good news is that the flooding put the fire out" but that's not the case here it seems.
Normally, one would jokingly say "The good news is that the flooding put the fire out" but that's not the case here it seems.
With the high cost of insurance in Florida, I wonder if they had insurance.
I am planning on installing two Tesla Powerwalls in my basement for backup power. But I am not in a flood prone area and even if a pipe broke, it is impossible for the basement to flood.
I bet when the insurance companies get tired of paying claims for self incinerating cars, they will just increase their rates so only the rich can afford an electric car and insurance. Or push for laws restricting their usage. and have special parking requirements. This way insurance companies can deny claims based on if the vehicles aren't parked properly or legally.,,
This fire and others have already been posted in another thread. There are also two more after the Florida flooding on public roads.
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Or if it's a ev/hybrid Jeep. Park 50' away at all times.
Extra, Extra, read all about it!
Water + Salt + Electric Vehicle =
https://www.google.com/search?q=US+...ome..69i57.2768j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Water + Salt + Electric Vehicle =
https://www.google.com/search?q=US+...ome..69i57.2768j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
It seems anyplace near the coast in Florida might not be such a good place for owning an EV. I''d be willing to bet the insurance companies covering EVs will be reacting to this yet again.Extra, Extra, read all about it!
Water + Salt + Electric Vehicle =
https://www.google.com/search?q=US+...ome..69i57.2768j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
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Salt in water increases conductivity immensely. I can't help but wonder if your house floods, then burns to the ground by way of a short circuiting Tesla, will your fire insurance pay if you don't have flood insurance?