If you own a Tesla and you see white smoke coming from your car while it’s plugged into a Supercharger station, don’t panic, it’s probably not a fire.
Tesla vehicles are among the most advanced and efficient electric cars on the market, since they incorporate some fairly unusual components such as heat pumps. These are devices that transfer heat from one place to another, and they help Tesla cars maintain optimal battery temperature and cabin comfort in cold weather.
However, heat pumps can also produce an unexpected side effect: steam. When the outside temperature is low, ice can build up on the heat pump condenser, located under the hood. When the car starts charging and warming up the battery, the ice melts and then turns into steam, which may escape through air vents and look like smoke.
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Your Tesla isn’t catching fire, it’s just water vapor
This phenomenon has caused confusion and panic among some Tesla owners, especially those new to the brand and unfamiliar with the heat pump system. Some Tesla owners called the fire or emergency services, thinking their car was going to catch fire.
To avoid false alarms, Tesla issued a warning to its customers, explaining that water vapor is normal and harmless in cold weather. The company also advises Tesla owners to check the source of the smoke before calling for help and look for other signs of fire, such as flames, sparks or a burning smell.
To raise awareness and prevent false alarms, UK emergency services have also produced an explanatory video showing the difference between steam and smoke in Tesla vehicles. The video shows that the steam dissipates quickly and leaves no residue, while the smoke persists and leaves a trace. The next time you see a Tesla “smoking” while charging in cold weather, remember that it may just be water vapor.