Tesla owners in Tampa Bay have issued a warning after Hurricane Idalia
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida authorities have a message to Tesla owners after two electric vehicles caught fire in the wake of Hurricane Idalia recently.
Firefighters in Palm Harbor warned residents, “If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle that has been in contact with salt water in the last 24 hours as a result of the recent flooding, it is important to get the vehicle out of your garage immediately.”
Officials said exposure to salt water could trigger a burn in the lithium-ion batteries. Owners of electric or hybrid vehicles, golf carts and electric scooters should move their vehicles to a higher level.
“Don’t drive it through water,” officials said. “PHFR teams have seen scores of residents in golf carts and children on scooters navigating the water.”