A 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid sedan caught fire Tuesday night in Haverford, Pennsylvania, while the owner was behind the wheel , Lower Merion Township Fire Department Chief Charles McGarvey confirmed
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Tesla began deliveries of the new Model S Plaid in June. The company's CEO, Elon Musk, had previously said that the high-performance car would begin deliveries last February. However, he explained in April that the development of the Model S Plaid involved "more challenges than expected" and added that "a lot of work was needed to ensure that the battery of the new S and X is safe."
Lawyers for the owner of the Tesla Model S Plaid that caught fire told CNBC that their client noticed smoke coming from the back of the car and tried to unlock and open the doors to get out, but there appeared to be a problem with the unlocking. When he finally managed to get out of the car, he saw it moving on its own in the flames.
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Two crews of firefighters spent about three hours trying to put out the fire caused by the Tesla Model S Plaid.
As NBC News recently reported, fires caused by electric vehicle batteries can require over 25,000 gallons of water to fully extinguish. In contrast, a fire caused by a conventional car with an internal combustion engine can be extinguished with about 300 gallons of water.
According to the fire chief, firefighters removed the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid to a safe location. The owner took the car away for an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. McGarvey said his crews have been in contact with Tesla and more information will be released soon.
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A spokesperson for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told CNBC it is aware of the Tesla Model S Plaid that caught fire in Pennsylvania and is in contact with relevant agencies and the manufacturer to gather more information. “If data or investigations indicate a defect or inherent safety risk, NHTSA will take appropriate action to protect the public,” the spokesperson said.
Tesla is expected to reveal more details about the incident, as well as how many Model S or Model S Plaid it has produced and delivered recently.
Source: CNBC
