Tesla Owner Stands by Brand After Tennessee Model S Fire
After a Model S fire in Tennessee, the car’s owner has publicly defended Tesla, even as US safety regulators begin a preliminary investigation into the incident.
A Tennessee doctor whose Tesla Model S caught fire last week has defended the electric car maker, stating he would buy another Model S despite the incident that destroyed his vehicle. The fire, which followed two other recent Model S blazes, has triggered a preliminary investigation by US safety regulators and led to a drop in Tesla’s share price.
Incident details: debris strike at speed
According to a statement from owner Juris Shibayama, the fire began after he struck a loose trailer hitch on the highway at around 70 mph. The Model S issued a series of warnings to pull over, and Shibayama exited the car as smoke emerged from the front battery compartment. The fire destroyed the vehicle, but no injuries were reported.
The incident occurred in Smyrna, Tennessee, a town also known for Nissan’s Leaf production plant. This fire was the third involving a Model S in just over a month, with earlier cases in Washington state and Mexico. In all three, the fires were linked to significant impacts or collisions rather than spontaneous battery failure.
Owner’s response: confidence in Tesla’s safety
Despite the destruction of his car, Shibayama publicly stated that the experience had not shaken his confidence in Tesla’s safety standards. In a letter published on Tesla’s website, he wrote that he would “buy another one in a heartbeat.” The owner of the first Model S fire in Washington had expressed similar views, praising the car’s protection of its occupants after a battery compartment breach caused by road debris.
Tesla’s public response has emphasised that the fires were caused by unusually severe impacts and that the Model S performed as designed, warning occupants and containing the fire to the battery area. The company has highlighted that no injuries resulted from any of the fires, and that the car’s structure protected drivers and passengers.
Regulatory scrutiny and market reaction
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a preliminary investigation into the Tennessee fire, stating it was working with Tesla and local authorities to gather information. The inquiry aimed to determine whether further action or a wider probe would be necessary. At the time, the NHTSA had not issued any recall or formal findings.
The sequence of fires and the regulatory response led to a sharp fall in Tesla’s share price. After reaching a high of $194.50, shares dropped to $137.95 by the end of the week following the Tennessee incident. The market reaction reflected investor concerns about the potential impact of safety investigations and public perception of electric vehicle risks.
Context: battery fire risks and public perception
The Model S fires drew attention to the safety of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, especially after high-profile incidents. In each case, Tesla and owners pointed to severe impacts as the cause, rather than internal battery faults. The company’s rapid communication and the positive statements from affected owners contrasted with the negative impact on share price and prompted wider debate about electric vehicle safety standards.
The NHTSA’s ongoing investigation and Tesla’s response would shape future regulatory approaches to electric vehicle battery safety. For now, the Tennessee owner’s support for the brand stands out amid the scrutiny.
