An electric Renault Zoe caught fire and exploded while charging on a sidewalk in Perigueux, France, on 17/6. A woman nearby noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and alerted the fire department at 12:47. Police arrived at the scene by 12:52, according to Sud Ouest.
As a security perimeter was being established, an explosion occurred around 12:55, causing a significant fire and dense smoke. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the windshield shattered, sending glass onto the balcony of the adjacent house. Firefighters spent a considerable time extinguishing the blaze.
Beyond the Renault Zoe, the explosion caused minor damage. Another electric car charging directly in front of it and nearby shop windows remained undamaged.
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Firefighters spray water to extinguish the burning electric car. *Photo: Sud Ouest*
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The car emits smoke before catching fire and exploding while charging on the sidewalk.
The exact cause of the electric car catching fire while charging is currently unknown. Theories include excessive heat or a battery malfunction.
This incident follows two similar explosions involving Renault Zoes in 5/2024, which occurred a few days apart in Haute-Garonne and Correze. One of these two explosions also happened while the car was charging, mirroring the Perigueux incident.
In 3/2024, a recall campaign was launched for Renault Zoes equipped with BT4 XLR batteries. These vehicles were produced at the Flins factory in Yvelines, France, from 1/9/2023 to 28/9/2023. The recall process highlighted a specific risk of secondary fire or explosion.
My Anh (according to Voix du Nord)
