FIRE INVESTIGATION INSIGHTS INTO EV BATTERY FIRES

'Testla' EV Battery Fire Investigation

A complete timeline of a real-world EV battery fire incident, from impact to firefighting, removal, teardown, health, safety and analysis. 
  • EV FireSafe with Tesla Motors
  • No prior knowledge needed, access for 3 months
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What happened to this electric vehicle on a quiet highway in country Australia?

About Testla*

The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most popular EVs on the road, both here in Australia and globally.

In this first session, we examine the Model 3 from an emergency response perspective. 

(*No, it's not a typo! This is our 'test' EV tear down, hence the nickname 'Testla')

Impact and Battery Fire

When Testla met an 18kg chunk of road debris at 111.98kph on a country freeway the impact tore open the battery pack. 

In this session, we examine the incident itself and the data Tesla Motors were able to share with us.

Tear Down Logistics and Safety

What did we learn about fire investigation and EV battery pack removal that can help fire investigators?

In this session, we open an important conversation for post-incident operations; how does everyone stay safer around burnt EVs during forensics and investigation? 

Tear Down, Investigation, Analysis

How quickly after impact did thermal runaway occur, how did occupants self-extricate and how did thermal runaway propagate through the pack?

In this session, we dive deep into the teardown process and findings.

Important information for:

Emergency Responders
Incident Controllers
Towing, Storage and Salvage
Fire Investigators
Forensics

Learn anytime, anywhere

Life-saving information presented in an easy to read format you can explore anytime, on any device

Identify & reduce risk

Empower yourself to identify EV fire risks, during an incident, overhaul, removal and investigation

Raise awareness

With a higher level of fire risk awareness, work with emergency and secondary responder crews effectively

Share your knowledge

As the world electrifies all responders should continue to learn, adapt and collaborate to enhance safety on-scene

Course Lessons

Introducing your expert instructors

Emma Sutcliffe

EV FireSafe director
Emma is the Director of EV FireSafe, a private company funded by the Australian Department of Defence to research EV battery fires & emergency response. She is also an operational volunteer firefighter.

Dan Fish

EV FireSafe TECHNICAL SPECIALIST
Dan is EV FireSafe's Technical Specialist & EV safety guru. He started his career as a mechanic & became a full-time firefighter 20 years ago. He now has an encyclopaedic knowledge of EVs & high voltage systems.

Glenn Probstl

Auto & shipping specialist
Glenn is a senior firefighter & fire investigator with a passion for a safer transition to electrified transport. With extensive experience in emergency management, Glenn leads our work in salvage, towing & shipping.

Nathan Smith

emergency management lead
Nathan leads EV FireSafe's work in the international airport sector &, as a qualified risk assessor, is an expert at uncovering hidden hazards specialist electric vehicles pose to high-value infrastructure & assets. 
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