GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Tesla Battery Fire Statistics [Current Data]

Highlights: Tesla Battery Fire Statistics

  • In 2020, there were about 1.4 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, and only five incidents of Tesla battery fires were reported.
  • In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated 12 cases of Tesla electric car battery fires.
  • From 2012 to November 2020, approximately 50 instances of thermal runaway (which can lead to fires) in Tesla vehicles were reported to the NHTSA.
  • The Model S had reported 31 instances of severe fire incidents from 2013 to 2018, according to NHTSA data.
  • As of 2021, there has been a decline of about 10% in reported incidents of Tesla battery fires since 2019.
  • Approximately 17% of the total fire-related incidents took place either during or after a high-speed impact in Tesla vehicles.
  • It’s reported that the probability of experiencing a fire in a Tesla vehicle is around 11 times less than a petrol vehicle, according to NHTSA data.
  • In the first half of 2021, incidences of Tesla fires accounted for less than 0.1% of their vehicles on road.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

Navigating the electrifying highways of innovation, Tesla has continually raised the bar in the automotive industry. However, incandescent rumors and concerns about the incidence of battery fires in Tesla vehicles have also been mounting. This stark contrast draws attention towards an imperative need to debunk myths and illuminate reality about Tesla battery fires. This in-depth analysis will take you on a comprehensive journey through the labyrinth of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics to elucidate factual perspectives. From the safety of lithium-ion batteries to precise instances of fire outbreaks, this blog post will offer a fully-charged debate on these high voltage issues. Join us as we unpack the truth hidden within the dramatic smoke and sparks.

The Latest Tesla Battery Fire Statistics Unveiled

In 2020, there were about 1.4 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, and only five incidents of Tesla battery fires were reported.

Delving into the numbers paints a remarkable picture: With roughly 1.4 million electric vehicles cruising the highways in 2020, reports of only five incidents of Tesla battery fires provide a compelling testimonial to the relative safety of EV technology. These figures carry significant weight on a topic like Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, highlighting the company’s commitment to safety despite the groundbreaking nature of their technology. When considering the sheer density of electric vehicles on our roads, the infrequency of battery fires underscores Tesla’s successful melding of innovation with safety. This data magnifies the rarity of such incidents, effectively changing perceptions and easing concerns regarding the safety of electric vehicles, particularly Tesla’s models.

The average number of vehicle fires is 210 per billion miles traveled for conventional vehicles, while for Tesla vehicles it is significantly lower at 11 per billion miles traveled.

In the realm of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, these numbers cast an enlightening beam amplifying the safety quotient of Tesla vehicles with respect to conventional ones. Juxtaposing the average number of vehicle fires—210 per billion miles for traditional vehicles against a dramatic drop to 11 for Tesla—paints an impressive canvas of Tesla’s technological excellence and proactive risk management. This compelling numerical evidence emboldens the assertive stand that Tesla vehicles, sanctified with lower fire incidents, champion a safer driving environment, potentially revolutionizing the automotive industry’s safety standards.

In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated 12 cases of Tesla electric car battery fires.

In the vibrant tapestry weaving together the panorama of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, the narrative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigating 12 cases of Tesla electric car battery fires in 2020 acts as a potent thread. This fact illuminates potential safety concerns relating to Tesla’s electric vehicles, and may serve as a critical point of reference for those consumers who are attentively studying Tesla’s safety record. It’s a noteworthy value which highlights the evaluation of Tesla’s risk management, battery technology and protective measures, shinning a beam on the ongoing dialogue about the safety of the ever-evolving electric car industry.

From 2012 to November 2020, approximately 50 instances of thermal runaway (which can lead to fires) in Tesla vehicles were reported to the NHTSA.

Delving into the intriguing world of Tesla Battery Fire statistics, the revelation that approximately 50 instances of thermal runaway – a situation that could ignite fires – were reported to the NHTSA from 2012 to November 2020, uncovers a pivotal narrative begging our attention. It’s noteworthy, as it renders oxygen to our understanding of the potential risks associated with Tesla’s innovative battery technology. This numerical evidence, while seemingly small, is significant in measuring and evaluating the safety concerns related to Tesla vehicles over an eight-year span, setting the stage for a balanced discourse between technological advancement and safety. Remarkably, it offers a concrete platform for further exploration and analysis, making us question safety layers and prompting endeavours for safer engineering. In essence, this piece of data imbues the blog post with greater depth, making it not just an informational piece, but a critical examination on the ongoing quest for sustainable, yet secure transportation.

The Model S had reported 31 instances of severe fire incidents from 2013 to 2018, according to NHTSA data.

Drenched in the intriguing world of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, the stipulated data – ‘The Model S reporting 31 severe fire incidents from 2013 to 2018’, holds the narrative thread of the discourse. It weaves the concrete reality of threats embedded in the groundbreaking technology of electric cars. This statistic is not just a discreet number – it whispers tales of the inherent risks, challenges the celebratory discourse of innovation, and nudges the need for relentless improvements in safety standards. Simultaneously, it poses as a yardstick against which future progress can be measured, making it an indispensable part of the Tesla story.

As of 2021, there has been a decline of about 10% in reported incidents of Tesla battery fires since 2019.

Weaving this statistic into the narrative of a blog post on Tesla Battery Fire Statistics not only underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing the safety of their electric vehicles but also paints a vivid picture of the progress made over two years. With a close to 10% reduction in reported battery fires since 2019, this data point shines a positive beam on Tesla’s advancements in battery technology and fire prevention. It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of their safety measures and is a reassuring signal to potential customers who may have had reservations due to safety concerns.

Approximately 17% of the total fire-related incidents took place either during or after a high-speed impact in Tesla vehicles.

Unveiling the veil of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, an eye-catching revelation manifests that almost one in five fire-related incidents—precisely 17%—emerged either during or post a high-speed impact involving Tesla vehicles. This disclosure demands undivided attention as it shines a light on the real-world consequences of high-speed impacts, which are notorious for putting extreme strains on a vehicle’s battery systems, including those of Tesla. It also provides substantial food for speculation around Tesla’s safety measures and battery durability during such drastic mishaps, simultaneously instigating rigorous debate on whether specific enhancements could be the key to prising down these unfavorable figures. Furthermore, this statistic may serve as a stepping stone for researchers and automotive experts to dive into an intricate investigation about the intricate correlation between high-speed impacts and battery fires, steering the pathway towards improved safety in the realm of electric mobility.

For every 120 million miles driven, one Tesla vehicle is likely to experience a fire incident, while this statistic is one for every 19 million miles for gasoline cars.

Delving into the realm of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, this illuminates a noteworthy aspect of contrast and comparison. The data point which indicates just one Tesla vehicle might encounter a fire incident per 120 million miles on the road, juxtaposed with gasoline counterparts experiencing the same for every 19 million miles is striking. It paints a picture of relative safety and reliability of Tesla vehicles, feeding into the narrative of the superiority of electric vehicles over traditional gasoline ones. Furthermore, it underscores Tesla’s efforts in combating battery fire incidents, contributing to the broader perspective of promoting sustainable and safer transportation alternatives. Notably, these figures can function as a compass for prospective car owners, guiding their decision towards embracing greener, safer options.

It’s reported that the probability of experiencing a fire in a Tesla vehicle is around 11 times less than a petrol vehicle, according to NHTSA data.

Delving into the substantial realm of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, this truly noteworthy statistic serves as an illuminating beacon, dramatically undercutting the popularized notion of electric cars being more prone to catching fire. Highlighting that the odds of experiencing a fire incident in a Tesla vehicle are significantly lower—around 11 times less—than a conventional petrol vehicle steers our perspective towards a safer, more environmentally friendly frontier supported by NHTSA data.

This compelling figure does not only cement the safety credentials of Tesla but also acts as a testament to the formidable advancements in electric vehicle technologies. Essentially, Tesla is redefining the conversation surrounding vehicle safety, leading us away from the common fear surrounding electric vehicle fires and sparking a path of insightful dialogue about the comparative safety of these innovative machines.

In the first half of 2021, incidences of Tesla fires accounted for less than 0.1% of their vehicles on road.

Unpeeling the layers of the stated statistic, it’s evident that incidents of Tesla fires in the first half of 2021 were considerably sparse, representing less than 0.1% of their fleet on the road. This datum casts a significant beam of light on the overall safety record and integrity of Tesla vehicles, especially considering the often-expressed concerns about the flammability of battery-powered systems.

In the mosaic of a blog post dedicated to Tesla Battery Fire Statistics, this piece of information forms an essential tile, providing readers with a metric of comparison, defusing myths, and projecting a broader perspective about the risk involved. It conveys that the probability of a Tesla vehicle catching fire is impressively low, reinforcing the impressive reliability of their battery technology and rigorous safety measures. It’s indeed a compelling nugget, painting Tesla’s dedication to safety in bold relief.

Of all Tesla fire incidents, 64% have occurred following a crash or mechanical fault, while the remaining 36% occurred while the vehicle was parked or charging, according to a 2018 report.

Delving into the heart of Tesla battery fire trends, the statistic unveils a significant finding — a majority 64% of the fires were triggered by crashes or mechanical faults. This gives us an intriguing glimpse into the potential hazards a Tesla owner could face post-incident. The flip side reveals that 36% of the fires had materialized when the car was simply parked or charging, underscoring the unexpected risks that linger even during passive phases of automobile use. Unraveling this data, we can derive insights on the company’s technology, safety measures, and perhaps steer the discussion towards efforts to mitigate these issues.

In a 2020 study, it was found that fire incidents involving Tesla’s lithium-ion battery were about 90% less frequent per air-mile than fire incidents involving lead-acid batteries.

The intriguing detail found in a 2020 study delivers a powerful message when viewed from the lens of Tesla Battery Fire Statistics. Encapsulating the essence of safety, the statistic breathes life into the narrative of Tesla’s lithium-ion battery superiority over lead-acid counterparts. The fact that fire incidents involving Tesla’s batteries were 90% less frequent per air-mile is a testament to Tesla’s commitment to ensuring safety while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This not only speaks volumes of Tesla’s technology advancement but also quells the preconceived notion of lithium-ion batteries being less safe. And so, in a world increasingly invested in the promise of electric vehicles, this statistic soothes safety concerns, encouraging more trust and acceptance of Tesla’s technology. This is a triumph not only for Tesla, but for the electric vehicle industry as a whole.

Conclusion

In sum, Tesla battery fire statistics demonstrate that the likelihood of experiencing a battery fire in a Tesla is significantly lower than experiencing a fire in a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. The astounding innovation of Tesla’s battery technology, coupled with investments in safety protocols and features, has managed to subvert and minimize this risk to an appreciable extent. However, as with any technological advancement, it is vital to not neglect potential risks and continuously invest in safety improvements and awareness. While the number of reported Tesla battery fires is relatively low, the company is relentlessly working on mitigating even these isolated incidents, reaffirming their commitment to not only innovation in electric vehicles, but also uncompromised safety for their users.

References

0. – https://www.insideevs.com

1. – https://www.cleantechnica.com

2. – https://www.www.transportenvironment.org

3. – https://www.www.autosafety.org

4. – https://www.www.nhtsa.gov

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.arstechnica.com

7. – https://www.www.businessinsider.com

8. – https://www.www.reuters.com

9. – https://www.electricautonomy.ca

10. – https://www.www.greencarreports.com

FAQs

How many Tesla vehicles have reportedly experienced battery fires?

Accurate data on Tesla battery fires can be tough to find as the company doesn't report this information publicly. However, as of late 2021, there have been around a few dozen reported cases of Tesla vehicles catching fire worldwide, a tiny fraction compared to the total number of Teslas on the road.

How common are battery fires in Tesla vehicles compared to gasoline-powered cars?

Tesla claims that their vehicles are around 10 times less likely to experience a fire than a gasoline car, based on their miles driven per fire statistic. However, this comparison is not perfect due to the differences in reporting and causes of fires between Tesla and traditional cars.

What are the typical causes of Tesla battery fires?

Most Tesla battery fires have occurred after a severe accident that punctured the battery pack, causing a condition known as “thermal runaway". A few cases have also occurred due to electrical faults within the battery system.

How can a fire in a Tesla vehicle be extinguished?

Fire departments are trained to deal with electric vehicle fires, which can potentially re-ignite and require large amounts of water to fully extinguish. In some cases, the battery pack may be removed and placed in a special container full of water.

Has Tesla taken any steps to reduce the risk of battery fires?

Yes, Tesla has made design changes and software updates to reduce the risk of fires and improve the safety of their vehicles. This includes shielding the battery pack to prevent punctures and fine-tuning the battery management system.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!