Summary
- Electric vehicles can catch fire if submerged in saltwater during a storm like Hurricane Helene
- EV owners should get their vehicles to higher ground before the storm arrives
- Keeping EVs out of standing water is the best way to prevent fires
- Tesla suggests towing submerged vehicles 50 feet away for inspection by a mechanic
- NHTSA is researching the issue and proposing updates to improve battery safety for EVs
Article
Electric vehicles can be at risk of catching fire if they are inundated by saltwater during a major storm like Hurricane Helene. In recent years, there have been instances of electric vehicles catching fire after hurricanes, prompting officials to advise EV owners to take precautions. Tesla recommends keeping electric vehicles out of standing water to prevent fires, and if the vehicle does become submerged, it should be towed at least 50 feet away from combustible structures until it can be inspected by a mechanic.
During a power outage, electric vehicle owners may face challenges in charging their cars, limiting their driving distance. However, EVs are not at a disadvantage compared to conventional vehicles, as gas stations are also unable to pump fuel during power outages. Keeping the electric vehicle charged prior to any potential outage can offer flexibility in such situations. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been researching the issue of EV fires after flooding since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but detailed statistics on the frequency of such events are not readily available.
There have been incidents of electric vehicles catching fire after hurricanes, such as Hurricane Ian compromising the batteries of up to 5,000 EVs, resulting in 36 fires. Florida officials expressed concern about possible fires before Hurricane Helene due to the expected storm surge. The fires appear to be linked to saltwater, as salt can conduct electricity, leading to potential short circuits in lithium ion batteries. EV manufacturers take precautions to prevent such incidents, including insulation barriers between battery cells and moisture protection. It is important to have submerged EVs inspected even after floodwaters recede, as residual salt could still pose a risk.
While EV fires after flooding are relatively uncommon, they are taken seriously by officials and manufacturers. The NHTSA is working to enhance battery safety and reduce the risks associated with EV fires. Barth with the NTSB explained that thermal runaway, caused by short circuits in batteries, could lead to fires in electric vehicles. The agency has proposed updating safety requirements for electric vehicle batteries to address these concerns. It is advised for EV owners living in storm-prone areas to take precautions and be prepared for potential challenges in charging their vehicles during power outages. Stay updated on tropical weather coverage from reputable sources like the Associated Press.
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