Summary
- Gov. Ron DeSantis urged EV owners to move vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene arrived
- Tesla advises EV owners against trying to restart vehicles caught in flood waters
- Helene, a category four hurricane, has caused fatalities and power outages in multiple states
- EVs can suffer from battery damage when submerged in water, potentially leading to fire and explosion
- Despite President Joe Biden’s goal of increasing EV adoption in the US, demand for EVs is actually falling due to consumer concerns, including range limitations and charging infrastructure availability.
Article
Gov. Ron DeSantis warned electric vehicle owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene arrived, emphasizing the risk of potential fires if the cars were to get inundated. The hurricane, which began as a category four storm, made landfall in Florida before moving northward into surrounding states. As a result, fatalities and power outages were reported in multiple areas, impacting thousands of individuals. It is crucial for EV owners to take precautions to ensure their safety in such situations.
Both Tesla and the American Automobile Association (AAA) echoed the advice given by Gov. DeSantis, urging EV owners to relocate their vehicles to higher ground to avoid potential damage. If an EV has already been submerged in water, Tesla advises against trying to restart it. Instead, owners should have the vehicle examined by an authorized engineer and then safely tow it at least 50 feet away from structures or combustible material. The risk of damage caused by submerging an EV in water remains even after the water recedes, highlighting the importance of taking proper measures to prevent accidents.
Experts have highlighted the risks associated with EVs during flooding events, emphasizing the potential for lithium batteries to short circuit if inundated, leading to overheating, fires, and explosions. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022 revealed that as many as 5,000 EVs experienced compromised batteries, with 36 eventually catching fire. Despite the lower incidence of fires in electric vehicles compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars, the reaction of lithium with water and the release of hydrogen gas pose significant dangers, emphasizing the need for caution during such situations.
The demand for electric vehicles in the United States is experiencing a decline, as highlighted by a survey indicating that only 34% of prospective car buyers are considering purchasing an EV in the next two years. Concerns about range limitations and the availability of charging infrastructure are among the factors contributing to the decreased interest in EVs. Despite safety concerns related to flooding and potential fires in EVs, these do not appear to be the primary reasons for the decline in demand. President Joe Biden’s goal of having EVs account for half of all new car sales by 2030 may face challenges given these trends.
Although electric vehicles are generally less likely to catch fire than petrol cars, the risks increase in situations involving flooding and contact with saltwater. The violent reaction between lithium batteries and water, leading to hydrogen gas release and the possibility of fires, underscores the importance of proper handling and precautionary measures for EV owners. Statistics on the incidence of fires in electric vehicles compared to traditional vehicles indicate different risk profiles, with Tesla reporting lower rates of fires in EVs over a significant travel distance. Continual research and awareness are crucial to address the specific risks associated with EVs in various scenarios.
In conclusion, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ warning to electric vehicle owners about the risks of potential fires during hurricanes like Helene serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to ensure safety. The unique challenges posed by flooding and contact with saltwater highlight the need for EV owners to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their vehicles and themselves. As the demand for EVs in the US experiences a decline, understanding the specific risks and benefits of electric vehicles compared to traditional cars becomes essential for both consumers and policymakers, as the transition to cleaner energy sources continues to be a significant focus.
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