Fire that Destroyed Felicity Ace Was Reportedly Caused by Porsche EV
Allegations and Lawsuits Emerge
As the smoke cleared, allegations surfaced, suggesting that the fire's origin lay within a Porsche electric vehicle, potentially a Taycan, due to a lithium-ion battery mishap. Mitsui OSK Lines, the ship operator, and Allianz SE, an insurer, among other plaintiffs, filed lawsuits against Volkswagen, asserting that the automaker failed to warn about the risks associated with transporting electric cars adequately. These lawsuits, filed in 2023, remain unresolved, pending mediation efforts. The Aftermath and Financial Impact
Despite efforts to salvage the situation, the Felicity Ace succumbed to the ocean's depths, leaving behind a staggering financial toll estimated at over $155 million. While Volkswagen managed to replace most of the lost vehicles over the ensuing two years, the incident reverberated across the automotive and shipping industries, prompting Mitsui OSK Lines to halt the transportation of electric vehicles.
