A Tesla Semi reportedly caught fire early Monday morning, leading to an extended shutdown of Interstate 80 in Placer County, California. The incident, which occurred around 3:16 a.m. near Emigrant Gap in the Greater Sacramento area, has raised questions about electric vehicle (EV) safety and battery fire management. This information comes from a report by InsideEVs.

Traffic Disruption and Fire Response

The blaze has caused significant traffic disruptions, with California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials unable to provide “no estimated time for reopening” the affected stretch of I-80. Fire crews have been working for hours to extinguish the fire, primarily by dousing the burning remains of the Semi with water.

A CHP spokesman at the scene told local news station KCRA that “it is hazardous to breathe” in the area surrounding the fire due to fumes from the burning vehicle. The strategy, as reported, is to let the fire burn out on its own while continuously applying water.

Tesla’s Silence and EV Fire Statistics

As of the time of reporting, neither Tesla nor CEO Elon Musk had addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), which has become the company’s primary communication platform.

It’s worth noting that while this incident is concerning, EV fires are statistically less common than those involving internal combustion vehicles. However, lithium-ion battery fires present unique challenges, often requiring more time and effort to extinguish safely.

Tesla Semi Specifications

The Tesla Semi involved in this incident is known for its large battery capacity, necessary for long-haul trucking. The 500-mile version is estimated to have a battery capacity of 850-900 kilowatt-hours (kWh), though Tesla has not officially confirmed this figure.

Currently, the Semi is being used by a limited number of corporate fleets, including PepsiCo, as part of its initial rollout and testing phase.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time. This incident follows recent reports of EV battery fires in South Korea, which have also made headlines. Authorities are likely to investigate the cause thoroughly, given the high-profile nature of the Tesla Semi and the growing scrutiny of EV safety.

EVXL’s Take

While this incident is undoubtedly concerning, it’s crucial to maintain perspective. EV fires, though more challenging to extinguish, remain statistically rarer than their internal combustion counterparts. As we’ve seen in our coverage of Tesla, the company has been at the forefront of EV technology and safety innovations. This event underscores the importance of ongoing research and development in EV safety protocols, especially as we transition to electrified commercial fleets.

As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential to learn from this incident to further improve EV safety across all vehicle classes. The electric revolution in transportation is well underway, and addressing these challenges head-on will only serve to make EVs safer and more reliable in the long run.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this incident and EV safety in general. Share your perspective in the comments section below.

Photo courtesy of KCRA 3.