Summary
– INL desert site has nine high-performance, battery-powered cars, including Tesla models and Porsche Taycan
– Flooded EVs from Hurricane Ian pose safety risks due to energy left in the batteries, leading to potential fires
– The teardown research on EVs impacted by flooding revealed water intrusion within the battery packs
– Despite water exposure, most of the EV main battery packs hadn’t fully discharged after 10 months of storage
– INL researchers are building an immersion test facility to conduct full-scale testing on EVs to identify factors contributing to fire incidents after submersion
Article
In Idaho Falls, the Idaho National Laboratory desert site boasts a collection of high-performance, battery-powered electric vehicles including Teslas, Porsche Taycan, and Lucid Air. Despite their advanced technology and quick acceleration capabilities, these cars have become worn and weathered from exposure to the elements. Recent storms have highlighted the safety concerns associated with seawater-flooded electric vehicles, as compromised batteries can lead to catastrophic events like fires. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022 left as many as 5,000 electric vehicles flooded with seawater, resulting in 36 battery fires due to thermal runaway.
At the request of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, INL engineers conducted research to understand the impacts of flooding on electric vehicle batteries. They studied 10 vehicle battery packs, observing varying levels of water intrusion within the compartments. Despite the water damage, the batteries did not show evidence of catastrophic failure. However, the flooded EVs were found to be susceptible to corrosion and mold growth, presenting safety risks if these vehicles were to remain in operation. The researchers also noted that a significant amount of energy remained stranded within the battery packs, posing safety concerns to anyone who comes into contact with the vehicles.
The INL team identified potential pathways for water ingress, including manufacturing imperfections and component failures. Although the damaged EV batteries did not result in catastrophic events, there were concerns about the stranded energy within the battery packs. In response to these findings, the researchers are building an immersion test facility at INL to conduct full-scale testing on electric vehicles and battery packs. By conducting comprehensive examinations before, during, and after immersion tests, they aim to better understand the factors contributing to fire incidents after submersion in water. This research will help ensure the safe adoption of electric vehicles on the road, especially during natural disasters.
The aftermath of the Hurricane Ian flood damage provided valuable insights into the impacts of seawater immersion on electric vehicle batteries. By studying the condition of the batteries before, during, and after immersion tests, researchers hope to identify the root causes of battery problems and prevent future incidents. The development of the immersion test facility at INL will allow for further research and testing to ensure the safety of widespread electric vehicle adoption. By expanding their knowledge of how seawater immersion affects battery health, the team aims to create safer conditions for everyone on the road, including first responders during natural disasters.
Overall, the research conducted at the Idaho National Laboratory has shed light on the potential risks associated with seawater-flooded electric vehicles. While the flood-damaged EVs did not experience catastrophic battery failures, there were concerns about stranded energy and potential safety risks. By continuing to study the impacts of flooding on vehicle batteries and conducting comprehensive immersion tests, researchers aim to improve the safety of electric vehicles in the event of natural disasters. This ongoing research will contribute to the safe adoption of electric vehicles on the road, ensuring the well-being of drivers, passengers, and emergency responders.
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