Electric vehicle owners are urged to take precautions during Hurricane Helene, as submerged EVs can catch fire due to saltwater damage. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised residents to move their vehicles to higher ground. While rare, electric vehicle fires have been reported following recent hurricanes, emphasizing the need for preparedness and awareness.
A partially submerged vehicle sits in flood water from after Hurricane Helene passed the area, Friday, Sept 27, 2024, in Atlanta. Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so owners who live in the path of a major storm like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility that they’ll be unable to charge their cars during a power outage.Florida Gov.
Two years ago, Hurricane Ian compromised the batteries of as may as 5,000 electric vehicles, and 36 of them caught fire. These fires do seem to be linked specifically to saltwater because salt can conduct electricity. Similar problems haven’t been reported after freshwater flooding in California that was driven by heavy rains early this year.Electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries can catch fire if the batteries short circuit and start to heat up.
“Where it begins to be a problem is if you have the batteries submerged in standing water. That’s where it starts to overcome the moisture seals in the battery,” Barth said.
Electric Vehicles Hurricane Helene Flooding Fire Risk EV Safety
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