As you’d have guessed, electricity and water are not the most fantastic duo.
This is why driving an electric car in flooded areas might be a cause of concern for some people.
It’s okay to have reservations about it until you know the truth.
Quick Answer
As a general rule, electric cars are floodproof because the manufacturers have sealed the battery and all electrical components, and insulated them to ensure that water doesn’t seep into them.
You should know that electric cars go through deep water and high-pressure testing to prove they can withstand flood situations before they are sold.
The truth is electric cars are floodproof, even more than traditional cars, and at a lower risk.
Know that you are more likely to get out of a flood in an electric car, and you will learn why in this article.
Read on.
Are Electric Cars Floodproof?
Traditional cars that run on petrol and diesel are prone to breaking down in areas with flood due to how their engines are built.
You wouldn’t want to experience that when you drive your electric car.
Besides, there are also the risks of the hazard of the combination of water and electricity.
These major concerns may make you wonder if your electric car is floodproof.
As a whole, electric cars are floodproof for different reasons, including:
You can trust that you won’t have problems driving your electric car in a flood.
They are floodproof and won’t breakdown or put you at risk during a flood, and here’s why:
Insulation And Protection
The electrical components of electric cars are well insulated and protected to prevent water penetration.
They are water-tight, and water won’t easily get in when driving through a flood. This reduces the risk of electrocution or other damages.
Absence Of Engines
Hardly will your electric car break down in a flood.
This is because they do not have engines that require air, cooling or other external influences that can get water into them and cause them to break down.
Instead, electric cars have motors, DC-AC converters, and battery packs that are well-protected from water intrusion.
Prior Testing
Electric cars undergo testing before they enter the market.
Manufacturers do a soak test to ensure the cars are safe, not vulnerable, and risky due to water penetration.
They fix weak spots with comprehensive plugging and seal loopholes that may harm users.
IP (International Protection) Rating System
Electric vehicles must comply with a laid down IP rating system.
For example, a rating system could be IP65, where the 6 signifies how protected the appliance is against dry stuff like dust, and the 5 signifies how waterproof it is.
The IP65 signifies that the car is protected from water and dust.
Most electrical components on electric cars have a rating of IP66 and more, with 8 being the highest.
However, even with safety measures put in place, heavy flooding is still a cause for concern and may allow water to enter the battery.
But most times, the results, if it happens, are negligible.
Will I Get Electrocuted If I Drive My EV Into Water?
You’re probably worried about what will happen if you drive your EV into the water, knowing that the relationship between water and electricity isn’t good.
What are the chances that driving electric cars in water is dangerous, and you might get electrocuted?
Quick Answer
In total, you cannot get electrocuted if you drive your EV into water because they are waterproof and have extensive safety systems that shut the car off if water ever gets into the motors. The circuit breaker trips and automatically shuts the power down to prevent risks.
However, the only danger you may have to worry about is water contacting the nickel metal hydride in batteries, forming hydrogens, but this rarely happens.
Conclusion
While water and electricity might not be the best buddies, your electric car can drive through a flood or puddle.
Electric cars are floodproof, and driving through water won’t electrocute you.
These cars have optimum protection against water, and manufacturers have ensured users’ safety in different ways.
