The curious case of the self destructing Honda Insight.

[DarthSensate]

http://web.mac.com/billwheelock1/Bill_Wheelock/Kaplooey.html

http://www.insightcentral.net/forums/modifications-technical-issues/16269-battery-caught-fire.html

This guy's older Honda Insight self destructed and melted down to a hulk in under 4 minutes.

Apparently NOT old chemistry Lithium batteries, but NiMH packs.

Lots of speculation as to what exactly caused the fire... mouse nests or debris shorting out he terminals and such.

I am not surprised to see an electrical short causing a fire but for SO MUCH of the car to ignite and melt the whole chassis is surprising.

Would a fire extinguisher attached to a thermo-couple actuator be a good idea in the rear battery compartment?

 

[julesa]

LOL @ the "question internal combustion" bumper sticker. That was the real cause of the fire -- hot irony.