Following a crash involving a Tesla Semi on Interstate 80 near Emigrant Gap, California firefighters had to use approximately 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters) of water to extinguish flames from the electric truck's battery. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the battery reached temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (540 Celsius) during the incident.
As a precautionary measure, firefighters also utilized an aircraft to drop fire retardant in the immediate area of the vehicle. The NTSB has dispatched investigators to examine the fire risks associated with the large lithium-ion battery of the Tesla Semi.
The crash occurred in the early hours of the morning as the Tesla employee driving the Semi from Livermore, California, to Sparks, Nevada, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a tree. Fortunately, the driver escaped unharmed.
After the crash, the lithium-ion battery of the Semi ignited, prompting firefighters to work diligently to cool the batteries and prevent reignition. The freeway was closed for approximately 15 hours to ensure the safety of the recovery process.
Following the incident, the NTSB has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the crash. The agency plans to issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In light of previous findings regarding high-voltage electric vehicle battery fires, the NTSB emphasized the need for manufacturers to provide detailed response guides for first responders. These guidelines should address the handling of battery fires, chemical thermal runaway, and safe storage of vehicles with damaged lithium-ion batteries.
Tesla began delivering its electric Semis in December 2022, fulfilling a promise made by CEO Elon Musk over three years ago. The Semi boasts an impressive range of 500 miles (800 kilometers) per charge when pulling an 82,000-pound (37,000-kilo) load.
