Does Tesla have a short circuit issue?
Well, one particular model seemed to just have that, as GreenCarReports.com spotted a report from Norweigan outlet VG about a Tesla Model S bursting into flames while charging at a Supercharger station in Brokelandsheia, Norway, back on New Year's Day.
While Tesla calls it nothing more than "an isolated incident," the fact that it involves the electric vehicle manufacturer, alone, is enough to make it intriguing.
Tesla spokesperson Even Sandvold Roland said the fire seemed to spark in the Model S's electrical distribution box, as reported by GreenCarReports.com. The automaker added that it's also introducing a software patch to stop charging if the data shows signs of a short circuit developing.
Tesla even sent an email to Autoblog, part of which stated: "There was an isolated incident where a Model S caught fire due to a short circuit in an electrical distribution box in the vehicle while Supercharging. The Supercharger turned off once it detected the short circuit. No one was injured in the fire."
The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning told Norway's VG that it couldn't pinpoint data, which leads them to believe that electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire than traditional gas-powered ones, according to its chief engineer for safety Jostein Ween Dig and as reported by GreenCarReports.com. In fact, Dig said that statistics show quite the opposite, that gas-powered vehicles and diesel-powered vehicles are more prone to fires than EVs.
Hey, for what it's worth, Tesla did announce last month that it's increasing its roadside coverage, including tow-truck service if need be. Not that Model S owners will ever need it for this reason because everything does point to it being "an isolated incident," but it's good to know and have, nonetheless.
"For vehicle malfunctions due to warrantable issues, transportation services for the first 500 miles is covered by Tesla; is limited to one tow per incident; and does not cover transportation due to issues not covered by the warranty," Tesla's revised Roadside Assistance policy noted last month.
Interesting event and one to keep an eye on for down the road.
