Tesla Owner Reports Shocking $21,000 Bill For Battery Damaged By Rain (thedrive.com)

Whoops.  That looks expensive.

It looks more like someone isn't telling the full story about what actually happened.

Obraik:

 

It looks more like someone isn't telling the full story about what actually happened.

 

Obraik:

 

It looks more like someone isn't telling the full story about what actually happened.

 

That was my immediate thought. However you'd think rainwater ingress would be on Tesla due to design fault - you expect to be able to drive through rain. If the car has been submerged there would be evidence for Tesla to find.

If flood damage then the owners should claim insurance.

johno1234:

 

That was my immediate thought. However you'd think rainwater ingress would be on Tesla due to design fault - you expect to be able to drive through rain. If the car has been submerged there would be evidence for Tesla to find.

 

If flood damage then the owners should claim insurance.

 

 

 

While it could happen I suppose, it would be the first reported instance of a Tesla having a faulty battery pack seal that has allowed rain water to get into the pack and damage it. I think what's more likely that they've driven through floor water or the car was parked in rising water and it's got in that way.

Surely a tesla can wade/ford through water like a ice car can? At least up to bumper level at the very least? Elon has said the battery is completely sealed and has even bragged about teslas better water fording abilities. I say owner is right and it is faulty sealing from the factory.

Can Electric Car drive trough Deep Water ? - YouTube

If, as the owner says and surely can be verified from weather records, this was due to normal rainy weather, then it's either a manufacturing fault or the design is not fit for purpose. In the first case, it should be covered by warranty, and in the second case they should get a full refund.

If it was actually submerged while parked (a blocked drain and/or dip in the street or whatever), the tow-truck and/or city records would be able to verify. Maybe the city council is liable?

But Tesla is getting advertising that money just can't buy!

frankv:

 

But Tesla is getting advertising that money just can't buy!

 

I know I'm basically preaching to the choir here, but let's not forget that the whole car industry is generally so shifty on this kind of thing that it was the motivating premise for Fight Club.

frankv:

 

If, as the owner says and surely can be verified from weather records, this was due to normal rainy weather, then it's either a manufacturing fault or the design is not fit for purpose. In the first case, it should be covered by warranty, and in the second case they should get a full refund.

 

If it was actually submerged while parked (a blocked drain and/or dip in the street or whatever), the tow-truck and/or city records would be able to verify. Maybe the city council is liable?

 

But Tesla is getting advertising that money just can't buy!

 

This was Scotland's equivalent of the Auckland anniversary flood, it was not "normal rainy weather"-  there is more to this story than is being told...

"Much of Scotland experienced widespread and prolonged rainfall from 6 to 7 October 2023, with 100 to 150mm falling widely across a swathe of the Southern and Central Highlands and heavy rain also extending to the east coast. The heavy rain was due to an ‘atmospheric river’ – a narrow stream of moisture laden air capable of causing very high rainfall totals. This was the wettest 2-day period on record for Scotland in a series from 1891."

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/weather/learn-about/uk-past-events/interesting/2023/2023_07_scotland_rain.pdf

But the battery should still be sealed right?  I mean call me old school, but I like to keep my water out of my batteries.

I see the BYD Seal NZ prices have been released.

Dynamic - $62,990

Premium - $72,990

Performance - $83,990

https://www.bydauto.co.nz/vehicles/seal

Seal pricing appears a lot higher here than in Aus? https://techau.com.au/breaking-byd-seal-will-cost-a48888-in-australia-deliveries-start-december/

johno1234:

 

Seal pricing appears a lot higher here than in Aus? https://techau.com.au/breaking-byd-seal-will-cost-a48888-in-australia-deliveries-start-december/

 

Looks like they are effectively pocketing a big chunk of the govt's EV rebate...

Will be interesting if they keep the same pricing once the rebate gets removed...

Essentially the cigarette packet calculations I did a page back, plus $7000 (or maybe $7015😒). Plus ORCs (however much that is).

Of note though, all paint colours appear to be the same price here, whereas they vary between no additional cost and $AUD2000 across the ditch.

I was quite impressed by the Seal I sat in recently. The fact it’s ground clearance is 18mm lower than my Model 3 is a bit of a concern though. If it was a fastback rather than a sedan I may have been tempted to put in an order. Still might.

Dingbatt: Of note though, all paint colours appear to be the same price here, whereas they vary between no additional cost and $AUD2000 across the ditch.