A Tesla Semi truck recently caught fire after crashing on Interstate 80, resulting in extensive firefighting efforts involving approximately 50,000 gallons of water and aerial fire retardant drops from aircraft. The incident occurred around 3:13 AM on August 19, near Emigrant Gap, California, approximately 70 miles northeast of Sacramento.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and released preliminary findings indicating the truck's 900 kWh battery pack ignited after the vehicle left the road and collided with a tree. Fortunately, the driver emerged from the incident uninjured.
According to the report, the fire was fueled by the truck's lithium-ion battery system, which reached extreme temperatures—reportedly up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (about 538 degrees Celsius)—and emitted toxic fumes. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, with the fire continuing to smolder long after the initial crash.
Emergency response teams from the California Highway Patrol, CAL FIRE, and Caltrans worked diligently to bring the flames under control. Their efforts involved continuous water spray to cool the truck's overheated batteries, and they utilized fire retardants released from overhead aircraft to contain the fire effectively. The NTSB noted, "Traffic on I-80 was diverted as emergency responders worked to control the fire, using about 50,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames and cool the vehicle’s batteries."
The accident shut down the westbound lanes of the highway for approximately 14 hours, with the eastbound lanes remaining closed for around 15 hours, significantly disrupting traffic as motorists sought alternate routes.
Despite the tense situation on site, officials highlight the importance of proper protocols when dealing with battery fires from electric vehicles. The NTSB had previously cautioned about the risks associated with such fires, particularly concerning the unique challenges posed by lithium-ion battery packs. The danger of thermal runaway—a condition where the battery overheats uncontrollably—is particularly acute, raising concerns for emergency responders.
Following the incident, the Tesla Semi truck was relocated to Nevada for additional monitoring after being deemed safe for transport. Fortunately, the battery system did not reignite during the monitoring period, which lasted 24 hours—the high-voltage hazards remained contained.
The Tesla Semi, which began production recently, aims to revolutionize the freight industry with its energy-efficient design. The truck can operate at less than two kilowatt-hours per mile, has about three times the power of traditional diesel trucks, and boasts a range of up to 500 miles. Despite its innovative technology, this incident raises significant questions about the fire risks associated with electric trucks, especially as production ramps up with plans for volume output exceeding 50,000 units per year by 2026.
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, first introduced the Semi concept back in 2017, with production commencing only recently. Meanwhile, the NTSB continues its investigation, poised to issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing such dangerous incidents from occurring again.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges facing electric vehicle adoption and the need for thorough safety protocols, especially as the industry moves toward greener transportation solutions.
