Explore Testla, a real-world
EV battery fire investigation
Deep dive into EV battery fire knowledge from impact to cause and origin determination. Vital, unmissable information for all responders. Learn with our expert team, with exclusive insights into a real-world electric vehicle battery fire!
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')
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.
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?
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.
In this session, we dive deep into the teardown process and findings.
Don't miss out! This is vital knowledge for:
Emergency Responders
Incident Controllers
Towing, Storage and Salvage
Fire Investigators
Forensic Investigators
Insurance Assessors
The ‘Testla’ - (Battery Fire Teardown) Fire Investigation online training session is a course all Frontline Firefighters should undertake. Accurate and valuable content, providing excellent insight into lithium-ion battery characteristics.
— Senior Officer, SA Country Fire Service
This is a fascinating piece of training and hugely interesting. The real-life incident in this course adds weight to the teachings and learnings in this brilliant online course. Well done EV FireSafe.
— Senior Officer, Country Fire Authority
Amazing learning about how the cells drop away and the visuals of the battery pack as this process occurs. I was also amazed to the see the blowtorch effect on the aluminium plate. Highly recommend this to any responder, not just firefighters.
— Senior Road Rescue Officer, State Emergency Service
Support your professional development with this step-by-step EV fire investigation
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
Testla 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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