A Tesla Model X Takes a Dive and Becomes a Boat Ramp Champ
Last month, a Tesla Model X in Hollywood, Florida, had an unexpected adventure when it slid into the ocean and caught fire at a boat launch. The incident quickly became a viral sensation, and now we have more details about what happened.
A Viking Funeral for a Tesla
The moist self-immolation of the Tesla Model X occurred at the Polk Street Boat Ramp in Hollywood, Florida on October 1. The driver of the Model X had just backed a pair of jet skis into the water. The Hollywood Professional Firefighters’ Facebook page posted a video of the incident, which captured the attention of many.
A Harrowing Experience
According to eyewitnesses, the driver received a warning to get out of the car, but the power doors wouldn’t allow her to exit the vehicle. Fortunately, the driver’s husband came to the rescue just in time to save the Model X from sinking into the saltwater and going up in smoke. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.
The Dangers of Saltwater and Electric Cars
As many people know, saltwater and electric cars don’t mix well. The water can cause lithium-ion batteries to combust, and the minerals left behind after the battery packs dry out can even spark fires days or weeks later. The Hollywood Fire Department handled this particular car fire with caution, allowing it to burn underwater until it extinguished itself. They then carefully loaded the vehicle onto a special carrier and isolated it in the impound lot to prevent re-ignition.
The Challenges of Fighting Electric Vehicle Fires
Fighting fires in electric vehicles can be challenging for fire departments. Despite years of development, they are still unsure of the best approach. Traditional methods of denying the fire oxygen don’t work with lithium-ion batteries, which can burn without oxygen. In this case, the battery was likely burning below the water line, along with toxic off-gassing from the battery itself.
Photo: Freepik.com
