A brand new Audi E-Tron GT at an Indiana dealership recently turned into a smoking nightmare. While parked in the dealership for a routine service, the battery pack suddenly caught fire.
What followed was a hectic operation by the local fire brigade, which was faced with a particularly difficult challenge: Extinguishing an electric car fire is no ordinary operation.
Audi E-Tron GT in flames
Although it is statistically more likely that a car with a petrol engine catches fire, but once an electric car is on fire, the fire is much more difficult to fight. A burning car in an enclosed space, such as a workshop, exposes firefighters to enormous risks. To minimize the danger, the Carmel Fire Department decided to quickly remove the burning Audi from the workshop. The fire could be brought under control and extinguished more efficiently outside.
It is unclear why the Audi burned.
The cause is not yet known. However, it is not the first timethat an E-Tron GT is linked to fire hazards. Last year, Audi recalled nearly 2.000 E-Tron GTs because water was able to penetrate the cells through inadequately sealed battery packs. This led to spark fires and arcing in some, which is a massive safety risk. To fix the problem, Audi launched a replacement program for affected batteries.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the cause of the fire can be traced back to the battery. However, one thing is clear: Electric cars not only have advantages, they also bring with them new safety challenges. The fire department's response in Indiana shows how important it is for rescue workers to be prepared for new dangers.
And finally ... Despite the low probability of fire in electric cars, burning batteries require special techniques and a quick response. The latest incident is a wake-up call about how seriously such incidents must be taken - both by manufacturers and emergency services. Photo credit / Source: Carmel Fire Department
