Tesla Claims That Model S That Went Up In Flames In France Was Assembled Incorrectly

An improperly tightened electrical connection was the root cause of the latest Tesla Model S fire, as it appears the connection had been tightened by hand, not a robot.

According to the latest report, Tesla has already wrapped up its investigation into the apparent spontaneous combustion of a Model S, with the fire caused by an “improperly tightened” bolted electrical connection. The fire occurred last month during a test drive in France, and to make matters worse it was during a promo event. The Model S P90D started making loud noises and a ‘problem with charging’ warning message appeared on the dash – a Tesla employee was in the car and asked the car and the other passenger to pull over and disembark – moments before the car burst into flames.

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mre30 - 9/14/2016 2:17:55 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder if it is possible for humans be get electrocuted in an improperly assembled Tesla?

There are so many volts/kilowatts of electricity coursing thru the vehicle, as well as stored in the battery - I wonder if there is any potential at all, as these vehicles age, where insulation rubs away and/or an 'arc' is created if the vehicle gets wet, for the surfaces humans come into contact with to electrocute them.

Curious!

Any Tesla experts out there wish to postulate a theory?

vdiv - 9/15/2016 9:00:57 AM

+2 Boost

Most modern EVs run at 400V or less. There is a contactor relay in the battery that kills the power every time the car is turned off, is in an accident, or malfunction is detected. In addition there are spots where first responders can cut the high-voltage cables and safe the car. EVs are extensively tested for crash safety and for driving through water and all electric components are sealed. In order to get electrocuted your body needs to complete a circuit and everything within your touch is at the same potential.

Given the right circumstances everything is possible but highly unlikely. Keep in mind spark plugs run at much higher voltage, up to 50,000V. How many cases do you know of people being electrocuted by their gas car?

Vette71 - 9/15/2016 11:51:53 AM

0 Boost

@vdiv Sparkplugs???? Give us a break. That is a ridiculous analogy.

It is becoming very clear that lithium batteries can be a hazard that even well respected engineering companies like Boeing and Samsung are having problems with. And they are known for conservative approaches to new technology and don't "push the envelop" as aggressively as Tesla (see post on "auto Pilot"supplier breaking relationship).

mpls - 9/14/2016 4:38:49 PM

+3 Boost

shockimg !

Car4life1 - 9/14/2016 5:13:03 PM

+1 Boost

sooooo...Tesla should prepare for years of intense scrutiny to come... first musk makes promises regarding product volume they have not delivered along with late new model launches, then the drivers assistance fails, followed by this fire, and the already aging designs of the sedan and suv don't help...to be continued

MDarringer - 9/14/2016 9:31:20 PM

+1 Boost

Tesla is admitting to its own shoddy quality?

PUGPROUD - 9/15/2016 8:58:24 AM

+1 Boost

You think!