how many tesla cars have caught fire

[CassandraMarie]

Based on the available data from U.S. government agencies and independent analysis, the number of Tesla fires reported to date is significantly lower than the number of fires in gasoline-powered vehicles when compared on a per-mile basis. There is no single, continuously updated official tally that counts every Tesla fire globally. However, instances are tracked by agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and through independent compilations. The key takeaway isn't the raw number, but the relative risk, which currently favors electric vehicles.

The most credible data comes from a 2021 report by AutoinsuranceEZ, which analyzed NHTSA data. They found that between 2012 and 2020, there were approximately 152.9 fires per billion miles traveled for gasoline vehicles. For Teslas specifically, the rate was dramatically lower at about 5 fires per billion miles traveled. It's important to note that "fire" in this context includes all types, from battery-related incidents to electrical faults and collisions.

Battery fires, while rare, are a primary concern due to their intensity and the challenge of extinguishing them, a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. However, Tesla's design includes a rigid battery pack enclosure and sophisticated battery management systems to mitigate this risk. The NHTSA investigates specific fire incidents, and its findings often lead to recalls if a systemic defect is found, which is a standard safety practice across the entire auto industry.

The perception of a high number of Tesla fires often stems from the significant media attention each incident receives. When a gasoline car burns, it's rarely news; when a Tesla does, it often makes headlines. This creates a skewed public perception. The data consistently shows that you are far less likely to experience a fire in a Tesla than in a conventional car.

Vehicle Type	Fires per Billion Miles Traveled	Data Source & Timeframe
Gasoline Vehicles	152.9	AutoinsuranceEZ (NHTSA data 2012-2020)
Tesla (All Models)	~5.0	AutoinsuranceEZ (NHTSA data 2012-2020)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles	3,474.5	AutoinsuranceEZ (NHTSA data 2012-2020)

[LeVivienne]

Honestly, the exact number changes all the time, so focusing on a single figure isn't that helpful. What matters is the context. I remember reading a study that compared fires per miles driven. Teslas had a tiny fraction of the fires that regular gas cars do. The news makes a huge deal out of every electric car fire, but they happen way more often in the cars most of us drive every day. The risk is actually a lot lower with a Tesla.