A Tesla driver experienced a frightening incident when an explosion occurred while attempting to charge his car using an adapter in Hope, British Columbia. The explosion, captured on camera, showed a fireball erupting at the charging point. The device involved, a non-Tesla A27 EV adapter, malfunctioned, resulting in a powerful explosion. The man was standing next to the car when flames engulfed the charger, sending smoke into the sky and causing him to be thrown to the ground by the explosion’s force.
The driver was seen stumbling and falling before managing to get back up, with a passenger from the vehicle rushing over to check on him. Fortunately, the driver only sustained minor scrapes, while the vehicle suffered burn marks according to Technical Safety BC.
The incident occurred after the adapter had been used approximately 50 times. Multiple malfunctions coincided, including a short circuit in the fast charger that caused an abnormal voltage surge through the device, leading to the explosion captured in the footage.
Experts describe the malfunction as an “arc-flash,” which generates intense heat and light. This type of incident is commonly caused by plugging the device into a higher voltage or by moisture or damage to the insulation layer, as stated by the National Fire Protection Association.
Following the investigation, manufacturer A2Z EV stated that the malfunction originated from the charging station rather than their adapter. They mentioned that there were no manufacturing or insulation defects in their adapter, attributing the damage to an external ground fault that originated from the charger.
A2Z EV emphasized their commitment to transparency and safety in EV charging systems and reassured customers, partners, and regulators of their dedication to enhancing the safety of EV charging. The company’s CEO expressed regret over the incident, highlighting the importance of ensuring safety and avoiding fear associated with electric vehicles.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety precautions when using electric vehicle charging equipment.