Authorities have issued an alert about the risks that saltwater can pose to electric vehicles following the arrival of Hurricane Helene.
Fires in electric vehicles exposed to saltwater are a real concern. With the threat of flooding and hurricanes, owners must take specific precautions to protect their investments and ensure their safety.
In particular, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has advised owners to move their vehicles to higher ground to avoid flooding, as salt can cause fires in these cars’ batteries.
What can electric vehicle owners do?
- Move the vehicle to higher ground: Avoiding flooding is crucial.
- Keep it charged: Make sure your vehicle is fully charged before the storm, as power outages will make recharging difficult.
- Avoid standing water: Keep the vehicle away from flood-prone areas.
- Post-flood inspection: If your vehicle floods, it is recommended to tow it to a safe location and have a mechanic inspect it before using it again.
- Avoid charging during power outages: Charging your vehicle during a power outage can increase the risk of battery damage.
- Post-flood inspection: If your vehicle has been exposed to water, even if it appears to be working properly, it is essential to have it checked by a specialized technician.
- Follow manufacturer recommendations: Each manufacturer has its own specific guidelines for the care and maintenance of their electric vehicles. Consult the owner’s manual or contact customer service for detailed instructions.
- Stay informed: Follow local news and emergency alerts to be prepared for any extreme weather event.
- Owner communities: If you live in a community with underground garages, check with management about emergency plans in case of flooding.
Fire risks
Fires in electric vehicles after flooding are not very common, but cases have been reported following hurricanes like Sandy and Ian. In the case of Hurricane Ian, approximately 5,000 electric vehicles were damaged, and 36 of them caught fire. This is because saltwater can cause short circuits in lithium-ion batteries, triggering a chain reaction known as thermal runaway.
Prevention and safety
Electric vehicle manufacturers have implemented insulation barriers in their batteries to prevent these incidents, but the risk remains, especially if saltwater manages to infiltrate. That is why it is vital for owners to be proactive and follow recommendations to minimize risks.
Frequency of fires in flooding
While fires in electric vehicles after flooding are not common, there have been documented cases, such as after recent hurricanes. The NHTSA has been investigating these incidents since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, but there are no precise statistics on their frequency.
Causes of fires in electric vehicles
Fires can be caused by short circuits in batteries if saltwater penetrates between the positive and negative terminals. Moisture can compromise battery seals, leading to thermal reactions that cause fires. It is important to inspect vehicles that have been submerged, as risks may persist even after the water has evaporated.
Safety improvements
The NHTSA is working to update safety standards for electric vehicle batteries as more knowledge about these risks is gained.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working to improve battery safety to reduce these hazards as more information about flooding-related incidents is gathered.
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