Report Reveals EV Prototype Started Chrysler Tech Center Fire in November

Jan 03, 2024 01:41 AM EST

FIREMEN SPRAYING ON FLAMING VEHICLE — (Photo : PEXELS/PIXABAY)

Stellantis recently disclosed a fire incident at the Chrysler Tech Center near Detroit last November, unveiling that the source was linked to an electric vehicle prototype. Initially reported as a fire outbreak at the North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the latest revelations pinpoint the occurrence at the Tech Center, specifically involving a clandestine electric prototype.

Chysler Tech Center on Fire, Reason: EV Prototype

According to insights from the Auburn Hills Fire Department, the prototype was stationed on a lift and necessitated extraction using a forklift. The fire department's report, as obtained by Crain's Detroit, delineated the scene where responders encountered an active fire beneath the vehicle and its hood. While the precise trigger of the fire remains veiled, on-site workers hinted at a potential coolant malfunction as a probable cause.

As shared on the report , thankfully the swift response from firefighters and employees led to the removal of the vehicle without any injuries or structural harm. Although the exact ignition source remains elusive, conjecture within the report aligns with the workers' suspicion of a coolant-related issue possibly sparking the blaze.
Stellantis has encountered recurrent challenges with battery cell issues. The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid has been recalled many times owing to fire dangers in its high and low-voltage battery systems. CarScoops also shared some details regarding this news about fire at Chrysler Tech Center.

Although rarer, extinguishing EV fires poses greater challenges compared to fires in traditional gas-powered vehicles. Battery cells are susceptible to a phenomenon called thermal runaway, an escalating process that results in a swift escalation of fire temperature and strength. Firefighters confront additional challenges while extinguishing EV fires, which require thousands of gallons of water.

The particular EV prototype that Stellantis was handling during the Chrysler Tech Center fire remains unspecified. However, akin to its automotive counterparts, the company is fervently engaged in the creation of diverse electric vehicles built upon a spectrum of innovative 'STLA' platforms.

Within this scope, Chrysler is actively progressing in the creation of an electric crossover, as hinted at by the Airflow concept, while Ram is dedicated to crafting an all-electric pickup. Moreover, Dodge has set its sights on an electric muscle car, exemplified by the Charger Daytona SRT Banshee concept.

Fire Related Incident: GM Detroit Area EV Plant

Reuters report about another EV related incident this December. An initial probe by the GM suggests that a fire at Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck probably stemmed from a forklift unintentionally piercing a container containing battery materials. This incident, led to a temporary production halt at the facility, with General Motors indicating an ongoing investigation into the matter.

General Motors had earlier confirmed that the fire, situated in the plant's shipping dock zone, resulted in no employee injuries. The Detroit facility manufactures vehicles powered by Ultium batteries, such as the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV.

Ford also has a fire incident being reported as related to EV. Report from Autoblog stated in the beginning of 2023, Ford had to halt the production of the F-150 Lightning following a fire incident involving the electric pickup while it was parked in a storage area. The company collaborated with its battery supplier to modify cell production methods and address the problem.