# Tesla Model 3 Catches Fire While Charging in Greece: Investigation Underway
## Incident Overview
A recent incident involving a Tesla Model 3 has raised eyebrows in the electric vehicle community. The fire occurred on September 22, 2024, in a supermarket parking lot located in Agia Paraskevi, a suburb of Athens, Greece. The vehicle was reportedly connected to a charging station when flames erupted from its rear end.
## Details of the Fire
Witnesses reported that the rear section of the Tesla Model 3 Highland was engulfed in flames while it was plugged into the supermarket’s charging station. Fortunately, the fire did not reach the vehicle’s battery pack, and the cause of the blaze is currently under investigation.
A photo shared on social media by user [dionysis_bdroid](https://x.com/dionysis_bdroid/status/1837874994300207290) vividly captures the aftermath, showcasing the extensive damage to the rear of the vehicle, including shattered windows and melted tires. The charging station also appeared to have suffered significant damage.
## Investigation Status
Local fire department officials confirmed that they successfully extinguished the fire and are now working to determine its cause. Initial assessments suggest that the flames were confined to the rear of the car, sparing the battery pack from damage. Speculation points to a potential malfunction in the charging cable or adapter as a possible ignition source.
## The Bigger Picture: EV Fire Statistics
While electric vehicles (EVs) are statistically less likely to catch fire compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the challenges associated with extinguishing EV fires can be daunting. According to data from [EV FireSafe](https://www.evfiresafe.com/), approximately 15% of EV fires occur during charging. Out of 490 verified EV fires reported globally over the past 14 years, 78 incidents were linked to charging equipment.
Firefighters often undergo specialized training to handle EV fires, as each battery cell can ignite independently, complicating the extinguishing process. This complexity has led some parking facilities to impose bans on fully charged electric vehicles due to the potential catastrophic consequences of a battery fire.
## Conclusion
As investigations continue into the cause of the Tesla Model 3 fire in Greece, this incident serves as a reminder of the unique challenges posed by electric vehicle fires. While EVs remain a safer alternative overall, understanding the risks and proper safety measures is essential for both manufacturers and consumers alike.
For further updates on this story and more automotive news, stay tuned.