Tesla responds to viral video of exploding car with video of its own
The company insists its electric cars are 10 times less likely to catch fire than other automobiles, but it might have trouble convincing customers. CEO Elon Musk’s antics might not be helping.
Tesla is fighting fire with video.
Reports of its electric cars igniting and burning are plaguing the company and its renegade CEO, Elon Musk.
A video—as yet not verified—of one of its Model S electric cars erupting in flames in a Shanghai car park has gone viral, first on Chinese social media and then globally on Twitter.
Tesla responded both on Chinese social media and in statements to news outlets covering the incident.
In an emailed statement to news outlets, a Tesla China spokesperson said, “We immediately sent a team onsite and we’re supporting local authorities to establish the facts. From what we know now, no one was harmed.” It should be noted that the video has yet to be verified as authentic. However, last week a parked Tesla in Pennsylvania caught fire in the garage of an owner’s home.
An alleged aftermath video of the Shanghai explosion has also appeared on social media showing not only the Tesla completely destroyed but the cars parked near it fully consumed by the fire.
It’s not an isolated incident. Tesla faces increasing pressure to offer sober, concrete answers.
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