Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to avoid water damage and must meet strict safety criteria before being allowed on sale. However, there have been incidents of EV battery fires due to flooding, and it is important to be aware of the risks. If your EV has been submerged in water, especially saltwater, do not attempt to drive it or charge it, as this may result in a battery short circuit and a potential battery fire. If your EV has been exposed to floodwaters, it is recommended to relocate it from your garage without delay and store it at least 15m away from other vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving electric vehicles in floodwater | Not recommended |
| Driving through heavy rain and puddles in an EV | Safe |
| Electric vehicle safety systems and battery packs | Designed to be safe in water, even if fully submerged |
| EVs submerged in water for an extended period | Higher potential risk of battery short circuit and battery fire |
| EVs submerged in saltwater | Higher potential to combust due to battery short circuit |
| EVs submerged in water | Do not electrify the water around them |
| Presence of bubbles in water around a submerged EV | Indicates thermal runaway and presence of toxic gases |
| Exposed orange cables and components in a submerged EV | Indicate high voltage and risk of electrocution |
| Signs of EV battery fire | Loud popping, hissing, whistling noises, large clouds of vapour, or jet-like flames |
| Actions to take if EV has been submerged in water | Do not attempt to drive or connect to charging, watch for signs of battery fire, call emergency services, contact EV manufacturer for advice on removal and towing |
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What You'll Learn
Electric vehicles are designed to avoid water damage, but it's best to avoid floods
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed with safety features to prevent water damage, but it is still best to avoid driving through floods. While EV battery packs are fully waterproofed and safe to use in floods, there are risks associated with submerging any vehicle in water.
Firstly, it is important to note that driving is the most common cause of death in flooded areas. Floodwater can easily sweep away a vehicle, even if the water appears shallow. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving through any floodwater that is moving or deeper than 10 cm (4 inches).
Secondly, while EVs are designed to avoid water damage, there is still a risk of battery short circuits if the vehicle is submerged in water, especially saltwater. This can lead to a higher potential for combustion and battery fires. Even if the vehicle is no longer submerged, there is still a risk of fire or electrocution as the battery drains, so it is important to watch for signs of battery malfunction such as leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, bubbling noises, or unusual odors. If any of these signs are present, evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency assistance.
Additionally, if you are charging your EV, do not use a multi-socket extension cord that is exposed to the elements. It is safe to plug into a wallbox or proper charging point, but exposed cords can create an electrocution risk.
In summary, while electric vehicles have safety features to prevent water damage, it is still best to avoid driving through floods whenever possible. If your vehicle has been submerged in water, do not attempt to drive it or connect it to charging, and follow the directions of your local emergency response agency.
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Saltwater increases the risk of battery short circuits and fires
Electric vehicles (EVs) submerged in saltwater for an extended period, ranging from hours to days, face an elevated risk of battery short circuits and subsequent fires. This risk arises from the unique characteristics of saltwater and the potential for electrical malfunctions in flooded conditions.
Saltwater, with its high conductivity, can cause short circuits in EV batteries, leading to unexpected electrical discharges. The presence of salt increases the likelihood of an electrical connection forming between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, resulting in a short circuit. This issue is particularly concerning for EVs as they operate on high-voltage direct current, typically ranging from 400 volts and above.
When an EV is submerged in saltwater, the electrical system may be compromised, leading to unintended consequences. While the risk of electrocution to emergency responders is low, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with flooded EVs. Responders should be vigilant for signs of thermal runaway, such as bubbles in the water, loud popping or hissing noises, and large clouds of vapour, as these could indicate an impending battery fire.
To mitigate the risk of battery short circuits and fires in flooded EVs, it is imperative to follow safety protocols. If your EV has been exposed to saltwater flooding, relocate it from enclosed spaces, such as your garage, as soon as possible. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle or connect it to a charging station, as this could increase the risk of a short circuit and fire. Instead, contact your local emergency response agency or EV manufacturer for guidance on safe removal and towing procedures.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while the risk of fire and electrocution is generally considered low, it is always advisable to remain cautious and alert to potential hazards. By following recommended safety guidelines and staying vigilant, you can help ensure the safe handling of EVs in flood-prone areas.
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Flooded EVs should not be driven or charged
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to avoid water damage and must meet strict safety criteria before being allowed on sale. However, it is not advisable to drive through floodwater in any type of car. Driving is the most common cause of death in flooded areas, and floodwater can cause significant damage to vehicles.
If your EV has been submerged in water, do not attempt to drive it or charge it. Saltwater submersion can particularly increase the risk of battery short circuits, which may result in a battery fire. If your EV has been submerged in saltwater, relocate it from your garage without delay. If you must drive through floodwater, check your car's maximum wading depth, drive slowly, and avoid moving water onto pavements or splashing pedestrians.
If your EV has been submerged, watch for signs of battery fire, such as leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, bubbling noises, unusual odors, or loud popping, hissing, or whistling noises. If you observe any of these signs, evacuate the area immediately and call the emergency services. Exposed orange cables and components also indicate a high voltage risk of over 300V and potential electrocution. If you see exposed orange cables or components, evacuate and call the emergency services and/or your EV manufacturer for advice.
If your EV has been exposed to floodwater but not submerged, charging is generally safe if done in a garage or covered carport without using an extension cord exposed to the elements. However, if you use a multi-socket extension cord to charge your EV with a domestic three-pin plug, do not leave the extension cord outside in wet weather.
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Do not store a flooded EV indoors
If your electric vehicle (EV) has been exposed to floodwaters, it is crucial to relocate the vehicle from your garage or indoor storage area without delay. This is because flooded EVs have a higher potential risk of experiencing a battery short circuit, which may result in a battery fire.
EVs that have been submerged in water, especially saltwater, may experience a short circuit in their lithium-ion batteries, which can lead to a fire. This risk increases the longer the EV remains submerged. Therefore, it is essential to move your EV to higher ground during and after major storms.
If your EV has been flooded, do not attempt to drive it, connect it to charging, or store it indoors. Damaged EV batteries can produce flammable gas, so it is important to vent the passenger compartment once the vehicle is out of the water. Look out for signs of a damaged or overheating high-voltage battery, such as leaking fluids, sparks, smoke, bubbling noises, or unusual odors. If you notice any of these signs, evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency assistance.
When dealing with a flooded EV, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Do not interact with the vehicle if you notice exposed orange cables or components, as these indicate high voltage and a risk of electrocution. Instead, evacuate the area and call for professional help. Remember, the safest place for a flooded EV is outdoors and away from other vehicles or flammable materials.
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Responders should refer to their agency's SOPs and the manufacturer's ERG
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed to avoid water damage and must meet strict safety criteria before being allowed on sale. However, it is not recommended to drive through floodwater. If your EV has been submerged in water, do not attempt to drive it, connect it to charging, or store it indoors. There is a risk of battery short circuits, which may result in a battery fire. If your EV has been exposed to saltwater, it is crucial to relocate the vehicle from your garage without delay.
In the event of a flood, responders should refer to their agency's SOPs and the manufacturer's ERG for removal and towing instructions. It is vital to be aware of the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in floodwater, as they can be found in various devices, including EVs. While a submerged EV does not electrify the water around it, responders should be cautious of any bubbles in the water, as this may indicate thermal runaway and the presence of toxic gases. Exposed orange HV cables, arcing, sparking, scattered or floating battery cells, and unusual noises are all signs of a potential battery fire. Responders should wear full PPE/PPC for protection.
If an EV is connected to charging, there is a serious risk of electrocution. Exposed orange cables and components indicate high voltage and a risk of electrocution. Do not touch these exposed elements. If you encounter these signs, evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency assistance. Once the floodwaters have subsided, contact the EV manufacturer for advice on removal and towing. If hiring a towing company, ensure they have read the manufacturer's ERG to understand how to tow the EV safely.
It is important to note that the potential risks of EV battery fires and electrocution are low, but it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow the directions of local emergency response agencies.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric vehicle has been submerged in water, do not attempt to drive it or connect it to charging. Exposed orange cables and components indicate a high voltage of over 300V and a risk of electrocution. If you see exposed orange cables or components in your EV, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services and/or your EV manufacturer for advice.
No. If possible, avoid driving through floodwater altogether. If you cannot avoid taking your electric vehicle out on the road during a flood, check the maximum wading depth of your car. Driving through moving water or water deeper than 10cm (4 inches) is not recommended.
Electric vehicles that have been submerged in water, especially saltwater, have a higher potential to combust due to the battery short-circuiting. There is also a low risk of electrocution.
