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EVs can't handle salt water

by on04 September 2023


They tend to explode

Floridians battered by Hurricane Idalia found floodwaters, causes their electric cars to burst into flames.

To be fair, only two electric vehicles caught fire after being submerged in saltwater churned up by the storm, but still, it should not happen.

Florida's fire service said that if people own a hybrid or electric vehicle that has come into contact with saltwater due to recent flooding within the last 24 hours, it is crucial to relocate the car from your garage.

"Saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries. If possible, transfer your vehicle to higher ground."

The warning also applies to electric golf carts, scooters and bicycles, with lithium-ion batteries potentially sparking a fire when they get wet.

Apparently, salt residue remains after the water dries out and can create "bridges" between the battery's cells, potentially creating electrical connections that can spark a fire.

Fire crews were actually towing one of the vehicles when it burst into flames, the article points out.

Tesla warns car owners about the risks of vehicle submersion and advises against driving a car that has been flooded.

"Treat your vehicle as if it has been in an accident and contact your insurance company," the company says in its guidance for handling a submerged vehicle.

 

Last modified on 04 September 2023
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