TERRIFYING CCTV footage has captured the moment a Tesla EV burst into flames while sitting in a pool of saltwater.
A sudden explosion ignited the blaze, which took hold in seconds, as officials issued an urgent warning to drivers.
In the video, recorded on a security camera in the owner’s home garage in Florida, the £44,000 electric car can be seen with its wheels submerged in water following Hurricane Helene.
The devastating storm has left nearly 100 people dead across six states in the south-eastern US.
Winds topping over 100mph and flash floods have laid waste to the region, with damage costs estimated to run into the billions.
One particularly unusual element of the chaotic weather is that the saltwater flooding has led to instances of electric vehicles blowing up.
The National Highways and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the issue has been known since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
It comes down to the fact that most modern EVs use lithium-ion batteries, which react violently with water.
These are perfectly stable in normal conditions and sealed in a strong casing to protect them from moisture.
But if the casing is damaged and a leak occurs, it can have terrible consequences.
In this clip, the Tesla was sitting in the flooded garage when an explosion suddenly sparked underneath it, seemingly where the battery pack runs along the floor of the vehicle.
The initial blast gave way to intense flames, which consumed the underside of the car within seconds.
And, given that water getting into the battery causes an electrical fire, the fact that the garage was partially flooded was no help in stemming the rising inferno.
The room rapidly filled with smoke as the flames engulfed the bodywork and the video cut out.
Sharing the footage on X, the Pinellas County local government urged drivers to take immediate action.
It is advised to move any electric vehicle, including golf buggies or e-scooters, to higher ground and away from flooding if safe to do so.
What should you do if you’re caught in a flood?
By Jacob Jaffa, Motors Reporter
If you fear that your area is about to be flooded, government advice is to turn off your gas and electricity where safe to do so and move to higher ground.
You should also consult your local council’s advice and access a community flood plan if you have one.
Advice is also available online from the National Flood Forum and British Red Cross, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
During a flood, try and stay at the highest point possible and keep exits clear in case you need to escape rising water.
Do not touch any electrical sockets or devices when standing in water.
It is also strongly advised that you do not attempt to use flooded roads as you could be left stranded – remember the water may be deeper than it looks.
If your home is flooded you can apply to your local council for temporary accommodation until it becomes habitable again.
The officials added: “If you evacuated and left an electric vehicle or golf cart in your garage or under a building and you are not able to get to it or move it, we want you to let us know.
“Please contact our county information center at 727 464-4333 and give them your address so we can share it with the local fire departments.”
It comes after as many as 20 vehicles were forced onto the hard shoulder by a “hidden” pothole on the M25.
Tesla has been contacted for comment.
