Feds investigate Tesla fires: Elon Musk’s idea? NHTSA disputes that – 11/19/13

The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

By Jerry Hirsch
Federal safety regulators opened a probe into a series of fires in Tesla Motors Inc. electric cars following crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday that it would investigate why two of the expensive Tesla Model S sporty hatchbacks have caught fire this year following accidents in which the battery casing that serves as the undercarriage of the car cracked open.

A third fire, which took place in Mexico, won’t be part of the investigation because it is outside the agency’s jurisdiction.

NHTSA noted that in the two U.S. fires, one in Seattle and the other in Nashville, the battery monitoring system in the cars warned the drivers, allowing them to pull over and safely exit the vehicles before the battery emitted smoke and fire.

Click here to view the full story from the Los Angeles Times