(DCWatchdog.com) – In a new incident casting serious doubt on the safety of electric vehicles (EVs), in the wake of Hurricane Helene, a Tesla spontaneously erupted in flames inside a flooded Florida garage.
This alarming incident underscores the real dangers EVs present when inundated with saltwater.
First responders stressed the risks to electric cars submerged in saltwater, which can cause lithium-ion batteries to short-circuit and combust.
“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,” according to Barth of the NTSB’s office of highway safety.
Barth pointed out how crucial it is to keep EVs out of standing water before storms hit.
He elaborated on the cause: “If the saltwater is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, then it can cause a short circuit.”
Residents in hurricane-prone areas should heed these warnings and move their vehicles to higher ground whenever possible, The Daily Guardian notes in a report.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged EV owners to take action as Hurricane Helene approached.
Authorities recommended towing submerged vehicles at least 50 feet away from structures until they can be thoroughly inspected.
Tesla specifically advises that such vehicles should not be driven or charged due to the increased risk of fire.
Saltwater poses a unique threat because it can heavily conduct electricity, unlike freshwater floods, which haven’t shown similar issues.
These dangers can persist long after the water recedes, with some EV fires occurring days to weeks later.
Authorities have warned that EVs should be moved at least 50 feet away from flammable materials after the storm and should be inspected by professionals.
President Joe Biden has committed to robust aid for recovery efforts in the storm-battered southeastern states, including Florida.
As the American Red Cross offers support to affected communities, it’s clear that better preparedness and awareness about the risks associated with electric vehicles in storm-prone areas are crucial for future safety.
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