MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — A fire that began in an electric vehicle charging in a Google parking lot destroyed four vehicles Thursday afternoon, resulting in an estimated $275,000 in damage, according to the Mountain View Fire Department. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of lithium-ion battery systems, particularly in areas with high concentrations of electric vehicles (EVs).
Emergency Call Sparks Rapid Response
The blaze occurred at approximately 4:50 p.m. on May 1, when dispatchers received a 911 call reporting smoke coming from a vehicle parked in the lot of a Google office building on the 1300 block of Shorebird Way.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered active flames coming from a Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that was connected to a charging station. The fire had already begun spreading to nearby vehicles.
Fire Spreads to Nearby Vehicles
As fire crews worked quickly to control the blaze, they discovered that the flames had already engulfed three additional vehicles parked in close proximity: two Teslas and a Honda sedan.
The fire was successfully extinguished using fire hoses before it could spread further. Thanks to the swift response by emergency personnel, other vehicles and property were spared, and the surrounding area was secured without additional incident.
Lithium-Ion Battery Identified as Fire Source
After an investigation, fire officials determined the origin of the fire was the lithium-ion battery charging system in the Jeep Wrangler. Lithium-ion batteries, while widely used in electric vehicles due to their efficiency and power, are known to pose certain thermal risks—especially when damaged, defective, or exposed to overheating during charging.
Fortunately, this fire was contained early, avoiding a larger, more dangerous situation. Lithium-ion battery fires can burn at extremely high temperatures and may reignite hours after initial suppression.
Estimated Damages Total $275,000
The fire caused significant destruction to the four affected vehicles as well as damage to the charging infrastructure located at the site. The total estimated damage is $275,000, according to officials.
While no Google employees or bystanders were injured, the incident is prompting renewed internal reviews around EV charging station safety at commercial campuses.
Google and Local Authorities Monitoring the Situation
Google has not released an official statement, but representatives confirmed that the company is fully cooperating with local fire officials and will conduct its own internal review of the incident. The company operates several EV-friendly campuses across Mountain View, many of which feature electric charging stations to support employee sustainability efforts.
The Mountain View Fire Department emphasized that no hazardous materials were released into the surrounding environment and that the incident posed no threat to nearby buildings or the public.
EV Charging Safety in Focus
The rise in electric vehicle adoption across California and the broader U.S. has prompted increased attention to charging infrastructure, especially as more employers, retailers, and public spaces install high-capacity chargers.
While electric vehicles are generally considered safe, lithium-ion battery systems require careful regulation, quality assurance, and temperature management. Fires linked to EVs, while still statistically rare, often generate intense public scrutiny due to their high heat output and the complexities involved in suppression.
In this case, officials confirmed the fire was not the result of vandalism, collision, or external impact, but rather an accidental ignition during charging.
Community Reassured, But Vigilant
The fire department concluded its response within a few hours, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward in the affected area. Residents and nearby workers were reassured by the rapid containment and the absence of injuries.
Still, the event has sparked conversation around the need for regular maintenance checks, thermal management technology, and spacing requirements between charging vehicles—particularly in high-traffic, high-density parking environments.
What’s Next?
The Mountain View Fire Department plans to review safety protocols for large-scale EV charging installations and may recommend updated fire prevention strategies for property managers and business campuses.
As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, incidents like this one serve as a reminder that technology adoption must be paired with robust safety planning.
Authorities confirmed that no further investigation is expected at this time unless new evidence emerges. Any updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
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