Electric vehicles have their perks, but they can also have serious downsides. Sometimes, these flaws can lead to life-threatening situations.
Renee Sanchez, a grandmother from Phoenix, was ready for a fun day at the zoo with her 20-month-old granddaughter. She secured the little girl in her car seat and closed the door, but when she tried to get into the driver’s seat, she encountered a major problem.
“My car was dead,” Renee told AZFamily. “I couldn’t get in. My phone key wouldn’t open it. My card key wouldn’t open it.”
With her granddaughter strapped in the car seat and the doors locked, Renee had no choice but to call 911. When the emergency responders arrived, they faced a challenge.
“The first thing they said was, ‘Uggh, it’s a Tesla. We can’t get in these cars,’” Renee recalled. “I said, ‘I don’t care if you have to cut my car in half. Just get her out.’”
For the first few minutes, her granddaughter was “OK.” But when firefighters started using an axe to break the window, the little girl began to cry. Fortunately, she was soon safe in her grandmother’s arms. That’s when Renee’s frustration set in.
Her car’s 12-volt battery had died without warning. Normally, drivers get three alerts before the battery dies, but Renee didn’t receive any. Tesla’s service department later confirmed that no warnings were sent to her vehicle.
Renee now wants first responders to be better trained on dealing with electric cars in emergencies. “They were as much in the dark as I was,” she said.
Despite the scare, Renee still appreciates Tesla, but with a new sense of caution. “I give Tesla props. When it works, it’s great. But when it doesn’t, it can be deadly,” she admitted.
This story highlights the importance of understanding both the benefits and potential risks of electric vehicles. Stay informed and prepared to ensure your safety.
