Cybertruck Fire Incidents Continue
Driver Dies in Early August, Accident
Rising Fear of Electric Vehicles in the US
In August, a fire involving a Mercedes EQE 350+ electric vehicle at the Cheongna Apartment complex in Incheon, South Korea, sparked widespread concern. Many locations have started restricting access to their underground parking facilities in response. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has even enacted a policy allowing only EVs with a 90% or less charge level to enter underground parking areas in apartment complexes.
EV fires are also gaining attention in the United States. Over the past month, three fires involving the Tesla Cybertruck have been reported, raising significant concerns among EV owners.
After colliding with a concrete drain, the fire began to spread rapidly
As Tesla increases its production of Cybertrucks, over 15,000 units have already been delivered to customers. However, in early August 2024, a Cybertruck in Baton, Texas, veered off the road under unclear circumstances and crashed into a concrete ditch.
Following the collision, the vehicle’s battery began to overheat, causing a fire that spread rapidly. The driver was unable to escape, and the intense heat from the fire tragically resulted in the man’s death. Texas authorities investigated the scene, but the high temperatures had severely damaged the body, making immediate identification of the deceased difficult.
Less than a month later, another accident occurred
Flames burst into the underbody of the vehicle
The incidents involving Cybertruck fires have continued to escalate. In August, a severely burned Cybertruck, so charred that its original shape was barely recognizable, was listed for auction. The fire’s specifics are unknown, but the vehicle’s extensive damage highlights the severity of the incident.
This fire marks the second such event in just a few days. Last week, another Cybertruck caught fire after crashing into a fire hydrant. Following the collision, flames erupted beneath the parked vehicle, which was situated on the roadside. The fire also released toxic gases into the surrounding area, adding to the incident’s severity.
Fire Suppression Difficult Due to Thermal Runaway
Concerns Raised About Cybertruck Safety
Emergency responders faced significant challenges when attempting to extinguish the fire. The overheated battery created excessive heat and pressure, leading to a series of explosions that caused the flames to spread uncontrollably. This has intensified concerns about EVs in the US as anxiety over their safety grows.
Tesla had initially highlighted the Cybertruck’s safety features, boasting that its body panels were bulletproof against 9 mm (0.35 inches) bullets and that the side windows could withstand impacts from metal balls. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had described the Cybertruck as equipped with “apocalypse technology,” capable of enduring any disaster. However, these recent incidents could potentially erode public trust in the Tesla brand as the focus on safety and durability is increasingly questioned.
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