Summary
- EV owners in the path of major storms like Hurricane Helene should take precautions to prevent their vehicles from being inundated by saltwater
- Florida Governor recommended moving EVs to higher ground before the storm to avoid fires caused by flooding
- Keeping EVs out of standing water is the best way to avoid fires, as saltwater can conduct electricity and cause short circuits
- Car manufacturers design batteries to prevent fires, but EVs submerged in water can overcome moisture seals and ignite
- NHTSA is working to improve battery safety since there have been instances of EVs catching fire after flooding, particularly in saltwater conditions.
Article
Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so EV owners in areas prone to major storms like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility of being unable to charge their cars during a power outage. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis advised EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before the storm to avoid potential fire hazards. Keeping electric vehicles out of standing water is the best way to prevent fires, and Tesla recommends towing vehicles at least 50 feet away from combustible structures if they become submerged.
During power outages, EV owners should keep their cars charged to ensure flexibility in case of emergency. While they won’t be able to charge their vehicles during outages, gas stations also can’t pump fuel, making EVs no worse off than conventional vehicles in this situation. EV owners may need to limit their driving during outages, but ensuring their electric vehicles are charged is crucial to being prepared for any situation that may arise during a storm.
Fires in electric vehicles after flooding are not uncommon, although specific statistics on the frequency of these incidents are difficult to find. In past years, electric vehicles have caught fire after being exposed to saltwater during hurricanes, leading to concerns from officials in areas prone to major storms. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been researching this issue, noting that saltwater can conduct electricity and cause batteries to short circuit and overheat.
The cause of EV fires after flooding is usually linked to lithium ion batteries short circuiting and heating up. If heat spreads between different cells in the battery pack, it can lead to a chain reaction called thermal runaway. Manufacturers design batteries with separations and insulation barriers between cells to prevent this issue, but submersion in standing water can overcome these measures and lead to potential fire hazards. It is important to have electric vehicles checked after they have been submerged to ensure there is no remaining salt residue that could conduct electricity and cause fires.
The NHTSA is working to improve battery safety as knowledge of the issue grows. Proposed updates to safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries aim to reduce risks associated with fires after flooding. EV owners should follow guidelines from manufacturers and officials to prevent fires and ensure the safety of their vehicles during extreme weather events. Being proactive in preparing for emergencies can help mitigate potential risks and keep electric vehicles safe in the event of a major storm or power outage.
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