Sixteen Tesla EVs Destroyed in a Fire in Rome

A Tesla vehicle has a sticker displayed on the rear trunk in Rome, Sunday, March 30, 2025.

Italian authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed more than a dozen Tesla electric vehicles at a dealership on the outskirts of Rome early Monday, treating it as a possible case of arson.

Tesla Italy confirmed its cooperation with the police and has provided surveillance footage captured by the vehicles' internal cameras, which remain operational even when the cars are turned off.

An assessment at the scene counted 16 burned vehicles. The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, but suspicions of foul play have prompted a thorough investigation.

Tesla has faced protests globally over owner Elon Musk’s affiliations, particularly concerning his perceived ties to the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Tesla's European sales have dropped by 49% in the first two months of the year, even as the overall market for electric vehicles continues to grow.