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Tesla Model S Gains Titanium Underbody Shield

Electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors has announced that the Model S sedan will be fitted with three new underbody components. The new parts were developed to enhance protection against road debris and prevent cars from catching fire due to battery damage.
2014 Tesla Model S 1 photo
Photo: Tesla Motors
The update has been introduced following the two Model S fires that occurred last year. Both vehicles had their battery packs damaged by road debris before catching fire. Although the drivers escaped unscathed thanks to warnings from the cars’ monitoring system, Tesla took a lot of heat after the incidents.

The new protective device, which consists of a titanium plate, a hollow aluminum bar and a solid-aluminum extrusion, was already fitted on new cars since March 6 and Tesla says the device will be added to all existing models in the near future.

Put through more than 150 tests, the titanium shield is said to prevent sensitive front underbody components from being damaged and aid in neutralizing road debris such as solid concrete blocks, steel alternators and tow hitches, the latter responsible for one of the aforementioned fires.

“The protective qualities of the underbody shields are substantial, but their effect on the overall structure of the vehicle is minimal. In total, the shields only have a 0.1 percent impact on range and don’t affect ride or handling. Wind tunnel testing shows no discernible change in drag or lift on the car,” the company said in a statement.

This is the second update the Tesla Model S has received since the fire reports surfaced. Last November, customers got an over-the-air update to the air suspension for a greater ground clearance at highway speeds.
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About the author: Ciprian Florea
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Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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