- A fire broke out this past weekend in the parking lot of Rivian’s Normal, Illinois factory.
- Multiple electric vehicles were damaged in the fire.
- The cause remains unknown.
A fire that broke out in the parking lot of Rivian’s electric vehicle factory in Normal, Illinois damaged over 50 R1S and R1T models that were reportedly waiting to be shipped out to customers.
The Normal Fire Department got the call on Saturday night, just before 9.45 pm, according to NFD spokesperson Matt Swaney quoted by 25NewsNow. The plant, which assembles all of Rivian’s current models and is on track to begin manufacturing the upcoming R2 SUV, was not affected by the fire, Swaney said.
As of midnight Sunday, the fire was put out but fire crews remained on scene to monitor the area. No injuries were reported.
An aerial photo and video were posted on a Facebook group after the fire showing 57 vehicles that were contained in a corner of the factory parking lot, next to the industrial train rails. Only R1S and R1T vehicles seem to have been involved in the fire.
The cause is still unknown. NFD spokesperson Swaney said an investigation has been started to find out what started the blaze. We reached out to Rivian to find out more about the incident and will update this article when we hear back from the company.
Last month, three Rivian Amazon Electric Delivery Vans (EDVs) ignited at the e-commerce company’s fulfillment center in Houston, Texas. That fire was unrelated to the high-voltage battery, according to Rivian.
Studies have shown that–contrary to popular belief–electric vehicle fires are much less likely to happen than combustion vehicle fires. However, when an EV ignites, it can be a lot more dangerous and dramatically harder for fire departments to put them out, especially if they’re not equipped with the necessary tools. There is also a risk that an EV fire could reignite after it has been put out, which is why you often hear about fire crews remaining on the scene of an EV fire after the blaze was put out.
Over 50 Rivian Electric Vehicles Damaged In Factory Parking Lot Fire. Here’s What Happened
A devastating fire broke out at the Rivian electric vehicle (EV) factory parking lot, resulting in over 50 Rivian EVs being damaged. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, causing a major setback for the electric vehicle automaker.
The fire, which is believed to have started in one of the vehicles parked in the lot, quickly spread to neighboring vehicles, causing extensive damage. The local fire department was called to the scene and worked tirelessly to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial reports suggest that it may have been due to a fault in one of the EVs’ charging systems. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with electric vehicles and the importance of ensuring that they are properly maintained and monitored.
Rivian has released a statement expressing their regret over the incident and assuring customers that they are working to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The company has also committed to working with affected customers to address any damages and provide support as needed.
In the wake of the fire, the electric vehicle industry is once again facing scrutiny over the safety of EVs and the precautions that need to be taken to prevent such incidents. It is clear that as EVs become increasingly popular, manufacturers need to prioritize safety measures and ensure that their vehicles are built to the highest standards.
While this incident is undoubtedly a setback for Rivian, it is important for the company to learn from this experience and use it as an opportunity to improve their processes and procedures. The safety of their customers and employees should always be their top priority, and incidents like this should serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry.
In conclusion, the fire at the Rivian factory parking lot serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with electric vehicles. It is imperative that manufacturers take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their vehicles and prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future. As the electric vehicle industry continues to grow, it is crucial that safety remains a top priority for all involved.