Tesla Semi Inferno: Battery Fire Shuts Down California Highway for 16 Hours
1min read Tesla's electric Semi truck recently made headlines after a severe incident in California. In August, the truck veered off Interstate 80 near Sacramento, hitting a tree and catching fire, which required an extraordinary 190 tons of water to extinguish. This incident led to the highway being closed for 16 hours.
The fire, fueled by the truck's 900-kilowatt-hour battery, propelled the battery temperature to an intense 537°C, releasing toxic smoke. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the accident. Firefighters worked tirelessly to cool the battery to prevent reignition and contain the situation.
Notably, the NTSB report confirms that Tesla's driver-assist systems, known as Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, were not active during the crash and subsequent fire. The truck, unladen by a trailer, appears to have had its own battery catch fire.
This incident adds to Tesla Semi's tumultuous journey since its 2017 launch announcement by CEO Elon Musk, who promised a future-ready electric truck. Despite multiple delays, Tesla began limited deliveries in late 2022 due to battery supply constraints.
The recent accident highlights ongoing challenges faced by electric vehicles, particularly concerning battery fires. Lithium-ion batteries can present significant fire hazards due to their composition, which includes flammable electrolytes. In this case, the solution involved copious amounts of water to control the thermal runaway and extinguish the blaze.
As investigations continue, this event prompts questions about safety measures and operational protocols for electric trucks, potentially influencing future regulations and safety standards in the EV industry.