Tragic Deaths As EV Burns in France

Four people tragically lost their lives after a Tesla electric car burst into flames following a high-speed crash in France.

The fatal incident occurred near the city of Niort on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at around 10:45 p.m. local time. The victims, including the driver and three passengers, were employees at a restaurant in nearby Melle.

Preliminary reports suggest that the Tesla collided with multiple road signs at high speed before catching fire. Despite the rapid response from emergency services, all four occupants were already deceased when rescuers arrived at the scene, according to local police.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the deadly blaze, with experts examining the vehicle. “An inquiry has been opened to determine the causes and circumstances of the deadly accident, a probe during which expertise on the vehicle will be requested,” said a local judge.

Ongoing Concerns Over Tesla’s Safety

Tesla, founded by billionaire CEO Elon Musk, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over safety issues involving its vehicles, particularly related to its autopilot software and lithium-ion battery technology.

In December 2023, Tesla recalled over two million cars in the United States and Canada due to concerns raised by national regulators about the increased risk of collisions while using autopilot.

The dangers of lithium-ion battery fires have been well-documented. Such fires are known to be difficult to extinguish and can produce extremely toxic fumes. These battery fires have been on the rise, with incidents reported in electric vehicles, e-bikes, and e-scooters worldwide.

Fire brigades are now deploying additional resources to combat electric vehicle fires due to the unique challenges posed by thermal runaway—a process in which the stored energy in lithium-ion batteries is released as intense heat.

Growing Fire Risks from Lithium-Ion Batteries

The number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries has seen a sharp rise. In the UK alone, e-bike battery fires surged by 70% in 2023, and fire services across the country have had to respond to significantly more incidents involving battery-powered devices compared to previous years.

In light of these risks, fire services in several regions, including London, Norfolk, and Kent, have introduced new protocols for responding to electric vehicle fires, such as deploying multiple fire engines to tackle the intensity of these blazes.

On average, electric vehicle fires can require up to 6,600 gallons of water to be fully extinguished—far more than the 220 to 400 gallons typically needed for traditional car fires.

Calls for More Research and Safety Measures

Experts and researchers are calling for more robust educational and regulatory processes to address the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. A 2021 study from Birmingham University highlighted the need for a better understanding of the dangers posed by these batteries, both for first responders and the general public.

As electric vehicles become more common, there is growing pressure on fire brigades and emergency services to adapt their methods for dealing with these high-risk fires.

Authorities continue to investigate the deadly blaze in Niort, but for now, questions about the safety of  electric vehicles—and particularly Tesla’s models—remain at the forefront of the conversation.