Are Tesla batteries prone to catching fire?

The popularity of electric cars is on the rise as more Americans are opting for gasless rides. This popularity is partially due to environmental concerns and the fact that electric cars are becoming more affordable.

Tesla is one of the most prominent names in electric cars. From its sleek styling, exciting technology, and powerful performance, anyone looking for an electric vehicle should consider a Tesla.

However, some people are hesitant to get behind the wheel of a Tesla because they believe that the battery will catch fire. If any of the Tesla models has an increased possibility of bursting into flames, interested buyers should be made aware.

The good news is that battery fires aren’t common in Teslas. Not only does this mean that they’re safe to drive, it also means that owning a Tesla won’t come with higher auto insurance rates. (For more information, read our “Tesla Auto Insurance Rates“).

If researching Tesla battery fires is the only thing holding you back from making a purchase, you can compare insurance rates so that you’re prepared if you buy one. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to determine what quotes might look like for you.

How Likely are Tesla Battery Fires to Happen

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition in 2019 concerning Tesla car fires. The request states that there were reports of Tesla vehicles catching fire after they were charged at a fast charging station.

The request wanted the NHTSA to investigate how likely a fire was to start in the battery, especially after fast charging.

Although there were reported incidents in China, the NHTSA found no evidence of similar events happening in the United States. Therefore, the agency declined to investigate, stating that there was no cause for concern, non-accident fires were rare events, and an investigation would likely uncover no safety issues.

In addition, assessing Tesla battery fire risk, it’s important to understand the safety measures and statistics involved. Tesla battery safety is a major priority for the company, and while there have been instances of Tesla battery explosion and Tesla battery safety issues, such occurrences are relatively rare.

Tesla battery fire statistics show that these events are uncommon compared to the large number of vehicles in operation. Tesla has put extensive safety protocols in place to minimize these risks and continually monitors battery performance to prevent fires.

Moreover, Tesla Powerwall fire risks must be considered, as this home energy storage system also relies on battery technology. While there have been reports of incidents related to Tesla Powerwall fire risks, these are usually isolated and not widespread. Overall, as Tesla advances its battery technology, the safety profile of its products is expected to improve.

For consumers, understanding and managing Tesla battery fire risk is crucial, and staying informed about the latest safety measures can help ensure safer usage of Tesla’s innovative technologies.

Non-Accident Battery Fires

The Chinese Tesla fires were cause for alarm in the states, but no duplicate incidents were found. However, there were three incidents involving a fire that were investigated. But those fires were either unrelated to fast charging or did not ignite in the battery.

A non-accident battery fire still concerns many Tesla owners, even though the NHTSA found no danger. There is currently a petition from a group of Tesla owners to examine a recent software update from Tesla. The petition states that Tesla has limited the range of its batteries to decrease the risk of battery fire.

In response to the petition, the NHTSA reviewed non-crash fire data for 255,000 Model S and X cars from 2012 to 2019. Afterward, the NHTSA announced that there was no need for a software update to handle fire risk because fires were a rare event.

There have been incidents where Teslas have caught fire when no crash was involved. Although rare, all cars — gas and electric — have a chance of catching fire while the engine is running. Tesla spokespeople insist that Teslas are ten times less likely to catch fire than traditional cars.

Additionally, Tesla designs their cars so that the interior cab is as safe as possible in the event of a fire. Lithium batteries — the kind on which Tesla operates — are slower to catch fire and burn in a more controlled manner.

However, battery fires are more challenging to extinguish than gasoline fires. These are some problems of electric cars, and firefighters have to use special techniques to resolve the situation.

Even though the occasional Tesla catches fire in a non-crash incident, the NHTSA finds the fire risk acceptably low.

Fires Caused by Accidents

If non-crash fire incidents are rare, how do crash-related fires compare?

All cars have a chance of catching fire during an accident. For Teslas, the fire risk derives from the battery. If the battery is damaged in the right spot, there is a possibility that it will catch fire.

Unfortunately, the press can unfairly treat Teslas and other electric vehicles. For example, a Tesla involved in an accident caught fire and was reported to burn for more than four hours. The fire was reported to burn uncontrollably while firefighters struggled to contain it.

In truth, the main fire lasted a few short moments. Minor flare-ups from the battery persisted for a few hours while firefighters put it out.

While the fire wasn’t as destructive as the press claimed, it still had a tragic end. Two passengers in the car lost their lives.

While the fire risk of a Tesla battery might frighten you, it’s worth noting that most types of cars come with a fire risk. Firefighters constantly have to change tactics to keep up with changing car trends. From natural gas to propane-powered vehicles, fires are always a challenge.

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Are Teslas the Safest Electric Cars

Teslas are generally safe cars — and they certainly advertise the safety of their vehicles — but how do they compare to other electric vehicles? Despite some common problems, there are plenty of safe electric cars to choose from.

Tesla does well against its competition when a human is behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the autopilot feature is plagued with reports of risk. The following vehicles are considered by the NHTSA as some of the safest electric cars:

• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Model Y
• Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Nissan Leaf
• Toyota Prius Prime
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

As you can see, there are safe electric vehicles for almost any budget. While Teslas offer excellent safety and exciting technology, they can be quite expensive.

Subsequently, evaluating whether Teslas are the safest electric cars, it’s crucial to consider the risks associated with fires caused by batteries in electric cars. These fires can occur due to the high-energy density of lithium batteries used in many electric vehicles, including Teslas.

Fires caused by electric vehicle batteries underscore the importance of robust safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Another significant concern is electric cars catching fire while charging. This issue contributes to the overall fire risks associated with electric cars and highlights the need for stringent safety protocols during the charging process.

Fire hazards related to electric vehicles are a major focus for manufacturers, including Tesla, who work diligently to improve safety standards and reduce these risks.

For Teslas specifically, Tesla accident rates provide valuable insight into safety performance. While there have been reports of Tesla fire hazards and Tesla batteries exploding, Tesla’s commitment to safety is reflected in their rigorous standards and ongoing technological advancements. Their efforts aim to minimize these incidents and enhance vehicle safety.

Additionally, the Tesla Allianz warranty demonstrates the company’s dedication to addressing potential issues and offering comprehensive coverage. Despite the concerns about fires caused by batteries in electric cars and other safety issues, Tesla’s proactive approach to improving safety features suggests that Teslas are among the safer electric vehicles available today.

How Much do Teslas Cost

As much as Tesla cars are well-known for their powerful engines and futuristic designs, they’re also known to be expensive.

As high-priced cars, insurance for your Tesla will be more expensive than for an average vehicle. Additionally, most car insurance companies don’t offer an electric car discount yet.

While insurance prices always depend on your unique circumstances, consider the average cost of a Model 3.

As you can see, insurance can become costly. However, you can save money on your insurance by taking advantage of discounts, keeping your driving record clean, and comparing rates from as many companies as possible.

Moreover, evaluating how much Teslas cost, it’s important to consider not just the purchase price but also ongoing expenses like insurance. A review of Tesla auto insurance policies indicates that insurance premiums can be higher for Teslas due to factors such as repair costs and the advanced technology in these vehicles.

This cost is influenced by the Tesla accident rate versus other cars, as insurance companies assess the frequency and severity of accidents involving Teslas to determine premiums.

Additionally, looking at Tesla crash rates, Tesla crash statistics, and the overall Tesla accident rate versus other cars provides insight into how these factors affect insurance costs. While Teslas come with high-tech safety features, the impact of their accident statistics on insurance pricing is significant.

Therefore, while the initial cost of a Tesla may be high, understanding the implications for insurance can help in assessing the overall expense of owning a Tesla.

Find the Best Tesla Insurance Today

If the possibility of the car catching on fire is the only thing stopping you from purchasing a Tesla, the NHTSA says that  there’s really nothing to worry about. Tesla fires are no more prevalent than any other vehicle fire and might actually be less risky.

Also, when looking to find the best Tesla insurance today, it’s essential to consider specific risks associated with Tesla vehicles, such as lithium-ion battery fires in cars. These types of fires can significantly impact insurance premiums, making it important to choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for such risks.

For tailored protection, Liberty Mutual’s electric car insurance recommendations for Tesla can offer specialized coverage that addresses the unique needs of Tesla owners.

Additionally, understanding the percentage of Teslas that catch fire and the problems associated with Tesla batteries can help you make a well-informed decision. Comparing this with fires involving Nissan Leaf batteries provides context on industry-wide risks.

By evaluating these factors, you can select insurance that not only covers potential hazards but also ensures comprehensive protection for your Tesla.

If knowing that you’re relatively safe from Tesla battery fires has you ready to purchase one, you can begin looking for the best insurance for your needs by comparing quotes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to discover what rates might look like for you.