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NHTSA Opens Investigation of Tesla Fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether a flaw in the Tesla Model S electric sedan can lead to a fire if the battery compartment is damaged.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether a flaw in the Tesla Model S electric sedan can lead to a fire if the battery compartment is damaged.
NHTSA's probe was prompted by two accidents in which cars running over debris in the road suffered battery damage and ignited. A third Model S fire occurred after a high-speed crash into a tree. The investigation involves all 13,100 Model S cars sold to date.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the company requested a "full investigation" by NHTSA and vows to immediately fix any flaws that NHTSA might identify. Musk also says Tesla will amend its warranty policy to cover fire damage, even if it was caused by driver error.
Tesla also has issued a software update for the Model S's electronically controlled air suspension to give the car more ground clearance at highway speeds.
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