8 million TL electric car burns while driving; flames extinguished after 12 hours

An expensive Mercedes electric vehicle, valued at 8 million Turkish Lira, was consumed by flames while traveling near Bodrum, Turkey. The fire reportedly started in the rear of the car and rapidly spread forward.

The driver, Aziz M., noticed the fire and pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. However, standard water-based firefighting methods proved ineffective against the electric car's battery fire. Firefighters from the Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department deployed a new generation fire containment tent, also known as a fire blanket, to combat the blaze.

“

We have also made preparations for such vehicles with the necessary measures, as instructed by our Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, on how to provide first response in case of fire and prevent its spread. We had previously procured our material called a fire blanket or fire cover, which can withstand up to 2,100 degrees Celsius. We made the necessary preparations for such incidents.

Taner Günhan, head of the Aydın Fire Department and a 30-year veteran firefighter, stated that while he had witnessed minor fires during electric vehicle charging, this was the first time he had encountered such a significant fire in his career. He emphasized the growing number of electric vehicles and the importance of preparedness.

Günhan highlighted that the fire blanket, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2,100 degrees Celsius, was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to the surrounding mountainous and forested areas, as well as to other vehicles. He thanked Aydın Metropolitan Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu for acquiring the specialized equipment, which demonstrated the department's readiness for such incidents. The luxury Mercedes AMG EQE 53 series electric car was completely destroyed.

“

The number of electric vehicles is increasing day by day. We had prepared ourselves for this type of vehicle fire with the necessary measures. The fire broke out in this electric vehicle over the weekend. We intervened quickly and prevented the fire from spreading to the mountainous and forested area where it occurred and to other vehicles. This incident shows that we are prepared for such fires.