Tesla investigates video of Model S explosion in Shanghai
By Caoimhe Toman
Date: Monday 22 Apr 2019
(Sharecast News) - Tesla is investigating a video that has surfaced on China social media purporting to show one of its electric cars bursting into flames in Shanghai on Sunday night.
In a statement, the company said it had sent a team to investigate the random explosion: "After learning about the incident in Shanghai, we immediately sent the team to the scene last night."
"We are actively contacting relevant departments and supporting the verification," it added.
According to Reuters the video shows a stationary Tesla Model S erupting into flames in a parking lot after smoke started coming out of the vehicle
There were no reported casualties.
There had been previous incidents involving Tesla vehicles catching on fire but only while the automobiles were were in motion or after they had crashed.
Tu Le, founder of consultant firm Sino Auto Insights said: "It seems strange that the battery, not charging, would combust on its own."
The clip sparked a great deal of concern and outrage on Weibo. "Us car owners demand an explanation," wrote user Miao Hongyang. "Jeopardizing our safety in a moment's instant and the fact it ignited so quickly is something we will not tolerate."
China is a very important market for Tesla, accounting for 20% of its annual revenues (or more than $2bn in sales).
Email this article to a friend
or share it with one of these popular networks:
You are here: news
10 Lower Thames St,
London EC3R 6EN