This winter, first-time electric vehicle owners are in for a chilling surprise: mistaking steam for smoke.
This comes as some Tesla owners, perplexed by an alarming 'smoking' effect while supercharging, called 911 only to discover it was harmless steam (via Electrek).
In cold weather, Tesla heat pumps can create steam mistaken for smoke by new owners, prompting unnecessary emergency calls and highlighting the need for awareness.
It's Not Smoke, It's Steam
As winter arrived, many new Tesla owners encountered their first cold weather experience with their vehicles, unaware of a potential phenomenon arising from their heat pump-equipped cars.
The heat pumps, designed to enhance efficiency in colder climates, can inadvertently produce steam, a harmless byproduct that resembles smoke to the untrained eye.
Tesla's Clarification and Guidance
Tesla issued a statement cautioning owners about the possibility of steam formation in cold temperatures due to heat pumps.
The company advised users to discern between steam and smoke before contacting emergency services, highlighting that odorless steam might emerge from the front of the vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in frigid conditions, posing no threat.
"In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. Some vehicles are equipped with a charge port inlet heater that turns on when you turn on the rear defrost in cold weather conditions. You can also thaw ice on the charge port latch by enabling preconditioning using the mobile app. To prevent this from occurring, use the Schedule settings, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a departure time and enable preconditioning."
Real-Life Incidents
Instances emerged of Tesla owners mistaking steam for smoke, leading to emergency calls. One user took to social media, recounting an incident where their Tesla appeared to emit smoke while charging at a Supercharger, prompting a 911 call and dispatching police and fire departments.
Not the evening I had hoped for. While charging at a @tesla supercharger, my car unexpectedly started emitting smoke. I exited the vehicle and unplugged it from the supercharger. I called 911, and the police and fire departments were dispatched. Adding to the frustration, the… pic.twitter.com/UyExTaUWrG
— Stay Connected w/EV's (@davidciccone) December 27, 2023
Similar incidents were reported in the UK, where fire crews responded to a 'smoking' Tesla, only to discover it was steam caused by water on the batteries during full charge, further fueling the misunderstanding.
Emergency responders in the UK created a video explaining the distinction between Tesla cars producing steam and actual smoke.
The video highlighted the conditions under which ice on the condenser melts during battery pre-conditioning, leading to steam resembling smoke and emphasizing that steam is harmless despite the visual similarity.
Response Protocols
Fire safety agency EV Fire Safe shared insights into their response protocols, detailing how thermal imaging cameras were used to monitor the high voltage battery under the vehicle during a 'smoking' incident.
This measure provided vital information, indicating minimal heat and reassuring the situation wasn't a cause for alarm.
Understanding the Issue
The confusion between steam and smoke remains a genuine concern, particularly for new Tesla owners or those unfamiliar with the nuances of their vehicle's operation in colder climates. The emphasis on education and awareness becomes crucial in mitigating unnecessary emergency responses.
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