Recent hurricanes Milton and Helene have raised serious concerns about electric vehicle safety during floods. You’ve likely seen viral social media videos of charred EVs, saying they “blast like bombs” when they get wet! These overcooked claims piqued many an EV owner and prospective buyer’s interest about just how dangerous this combination really is.
As electric cars become more popular, the answer to this question is more important than ever before. As climate change causes more extreme and frequent weather conditions and flooding, it’s important to understand how EVs respond to being submerged – not for flippant reasons, but for public safety.
We’ve looked into these claims using reliable sources such as reports from the Idaho National Laboratory and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While there is a genuine risk of EV fires after flooding, the reality might surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at:
- EV battery safety features
- Real flood-related fire incidents
- Comparison with traditional vehicles
- Essential safety measures
Continue reading to find out what really happens when electric vehicles come into contact with floodwater.
Understanding Electric Vehicle Batteries and Flooding Risks
Electric vehicles use advanced lithium-ion batteries – rugged energy storage devices that enable electric driving. The batteries have multiple safety features to shield them against different conditions in the environment.
Your EV’s battery pack comes equipped with robust protective measures:
Sealed Battery Compartment: Battery packs are in watertight compartments so that water doesn’t creep in during normal usage, i.e., rain and superficial standing water
Protective Casing: Multiple layers of protective and insulating material keep the battery cells safe from exterior forces
Safety Monitoring Systems: Embedded sensors can find problems and even take the system offline if they malfunction
These safety systems function well in normal operations, but they face special challenges in their prolonged exposure to floodwater. When an EV is submerged in water – it could be freshwater or saltwater – the seal protection can be compromised.
Salt water poses an additional risk due to its corrosive nature. It can:
- Deteriorate the battery’s protective seals
- Penetrate the battery compartment
- Cause internal damage to battery components
- Create conditions for potential short circuits
The actual threat exists when water permeates these covering layers. Once inside, it can combine with the content of the battery, which may cause short circuits or heat. This type of damage may not always be apparent – it accumulates over the long term as corrosion expands or electrical systems collapse.
The Truth About Electric Vehicles Catching Fire After Flooding
Recent data reveals a surprising truth about EV fires after flooding – they’re less common than you might think. During Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact in 2022, thousands of electric vehicles were damaged by seawater flooding. According to Idaho National Laboratory reports, only 36 of these vehicles caught fire.
The real danger lies in the delayed reaction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has documented cases where EV fires occurred weeks after the initial flood damage. This happens when:
- Battery damage triggers slow deterioration
- Short circuits develop over time
- Internal components gradually overheat
These fire risks extend beyond cars – any device with lithium-ion batteries faces similar hazards when submerged. This includes:
- E-bikes
- Electric scooters
- Personal electronic devices
Safety Advisory: Tesla advises relocating any water-affected EVs from structures and combustible items until a professional inspection has been carried out. This is to avoid injury to people and property in the event of off-delay battery responses.
The chemistry of these fires includes intricate chemical reactions in compromised battery cells. When flood waters breach the protective seals, they provide a means for possible thermal runaway – an uncontrolled chain reaction where one failing cell can cause others to heat up and ignite.
How Flooding Affects Electric and Gasoline-Powered Vehicles
Flood damage is not discriminatory against vehicle types. Though EVs may be subject to battery fires, gas cars are not same from serious flood damage either.
Impact on Gas-Powered Vehicles:
- Water can enter the engine through the air intake system
- Electrical components and wiring become compromised
- Fuel systems get contaminated with water
- Interior electronics suffer permanent damage
- Rust and corrosion develop in vital mechanical parts
Impact on Electric Vehicles:
- Battery seals can become compromised
- Electrical systems may short-circuit
- Control modules risk water damage
- Interior electronics face similar damage as gas vehicles
- Battery management systems might malfunction
The key difference lies in the type of damage each vehicle sustains. Gas-powered cars face immediate operational risks when water enters the combustion engine. A flooded engine can hydro-lock, causing bent connecting rods or cracked engine blocks – catastrophic damage that renders the vehicle inoperable.
EVs might appear functional after flooding, but hidden damage can develop into serious issues over time. AutoZone and other automotive experts stress a critical point: never operate any flooded vehicle without professional inspection. Water damage may lead to unsafe situations in both cars, and thus professional evaluation is required for your safety.
Professional vehicle body repair technicians employ the latest technology to find concealed water damage, and if a vehicle can be repaired to a point of being drivable with safety.
Safety Precautions and Recommendations after Flooding
Whenever your EV was flooded partially or wholly, immediate safety precautions are warranted. Tesla and other makers have strict guidelines to guarantee the safety of both individuals and property:
Safety Distance Straight Away
Take your flooded EV away from the building and outside the area of any flammable materials. This safety precaution prevents possible injury in the event of the vehicle possibly burning as a result of water damage.
Professional Inspection Requirements
- Don’t attempt to start or operate your flooded vehicle
- Have your EV inspected by certified technicians
- Wait for professional clearance before using the vehicle
- Document all damage for insurance purposes
Key Warning Signs to Watch For:
- Unusual sounds from the battery compartment
- Strange odors
- Visible water damage to electrical components
- Warning lights on the dashboard
Professional Assessment Checklist:
- Battery pack integrity evaluation
- Electrical system diagnostic tests
- Water damage assessment of critical components
- Safety system functionality verification
The high-tech nature of newer vehicles, especially EVs, necessitates a high technical expertise to determine flood damage. A reputable car repair center will possess the facilities and technical know-how to thoroughly examine your vehicle’s electrical system, battery packs, and safety features to determine if it is safe to put back into service or not.
The Role of Professional Auto Repair in Flood-Damaged Vehicle Recovery
When it comes to flood-damaged vehicles, expert assessment and repair are critical for your safety. We at HCS Auto Repair have established itself as Springdale’s trusted car repair expert since 1988. Our team of ASE-certified technicians brings specialized knowledge in handling both electric and conventional vehicles affected by flooding.
What Sets us Apart:
- 35+ years of automotive expertise in Springdale, AR
- ASE-certified technicians trained in flood damage assessment
- Comprehensive diagnostic and repair capabilities
- High-tech facility capable of working on EV and gasoline-powered cars
Since 2013, we have expanded our services to suit the increasing demands of our people. From standard maintenance to intricate flood damage repair, our experts handle each vehicle with tremendous care. We are aware of the specific issues of water-destroyed vehicles and conduct diligent checks to gauge security risks.
Your car needs expert service after being exposed to floods. Our professional team at HCS Auto Repair blends technical know-how with personalized attention to put your vehicle back in safe, driving condition.
Choose HCS Auto Repair
The risks of electric vehicle fires after flooding are real but manageable with proper precautions. Your safety depends on taking immediate action when your vehicle has been submerged in floodwater – whether it’s an EV or a gas-powered car.
Don’t take chances with a flood-damaged vehicle:
- Stay away from submerged vehicles until they’re professionally inspected
- Move EVs away from buildings and flammable materials
- Contact qualified technicians for a thorough assessment
- Never attempt to start or operate a flooded vehicle
We’re here to help protect you and your investment. Our ASE-certified technicians possess the skills to assess flood damage correctly and get your car in safe, road-ready condition. Ready for peace of mind? Call us today at (479) 751-8232 to make an appointment. Safety is our top concern, and we’re dedicated to getting you safely back on the road.