Navigating the Waters: Tesla Model X arranges a Viking funeral.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly transformed the personal-transport landscape, offering a greener alternative to traditional internal-combustion engines. As these innovative machines become more integrated into our lives, their interaction with various elements – especially water – is under scrutiny. The recent Tesla Model X incident has sparked a discussion about the safety of electric vehicles […]

Electric vehicles (EVs) have rapidly transformed the personal-transport landscape, offering a greener alternative to traditional internal-combustion engines. As these innovative machines become more integrated into our lives, their interaction with various elements – especially water – is under scrutiny. The recent Tesla Model X incident has sparked a discussion about the safety of electric vehicles in immersion, especially in salt water.

Overview of the Tesla Model X dive incident.

The unique case unfolding at Polk Street Boat Ramp in Hollywood, Florida, is not only a cautionary tale, but also an opportunity for education. It all started as a normal day, when the owner of the vehicle launched a jet ski into the water. But the situation took an unexpected turn when the Model X sank completely into the water, triggering what is known as battery thermal acceleration – a condition in which rising temperatures create a self-sustaining cycle of battery heating and damage.

Here are some key messages from the event:

  • When the water came in, the car battery was damaged.
  • Flammable gases were emitted and ignited from the battery, which led to underwater combustion.
  • The Hollywood Fire Department made a key decision by allowing the electric vehicle to remain underwater until the thermal escape ceased.
  • The firefighters then safely removed the vehicle and transported it to the dump for further inspection.

    • The incident exemplified several training sessions on EV safety protocols and emergency response strategies.

    Below is a video describing the event:

    Analyze additional incidents and common themes.

    It is worth noting that this is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have also been reported:

  • In one case, another Tesla Model X caught fire after entering the water while towing the boat.
  • Near Vancouver, Canada, a PHEV Mitsubishi Outlander accidentally crashed into the water during unloading procedures.

    • These examples highlight some common problems:

  • Immersion in salt water poses significant risks to electric vehicles due to its corrosive nature and its potential to cause short circuits in electrical systems.
  • Ventilation systems designed to protect the integrity of the battery may fail underwater, leading to critical safety hazards.

    • Risks of towing by electric vehicles.

    Naturally, towing vessels increases the likelihood of exposure to such hazards due to proximity to water bodies. When electric vehicles, whose battery packs are usually installed at low levels due to stability problems, lock onto stairwells in waterways for the lowering of boats or jet skis, they may be particularly susceptible to water intrusion if seals are compromised or damaged.

    An example of this vulnerability is a Tesla that drains water from the chassis after towing. This indicates that even conventional methods could potentially expose these vehicles to risk if proper precautions are not taken.

    Breaking down myths: can electric cars swim?

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously mentioned that Tesla cars can “float” temporarily, and even suggested using them as boats in certain conditions. However, this should not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of intentionally exposing EVs to such situations. Recent incidents flatly contradict any notion that electric vehicles are equipped for waterborne adventures without consequences.

    Read more / Original news source: https://manipurhub.com/navigating-the-waters-tesla-model-x-arranges-a-viking-funeral-365/