Electricity and water don’t mix, right?
Little wonder many would-be electric car drivers are worried about driving their electric car through water. You’re not alone if you’ve been concerned about EVs and bad weather, deep water or a flooded road.
Let's dive in (pun intended) and explore the safety considerations and answer this important query.
TL;DR? Just watch this video of a Tesla being driven completely underwater!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npnwau-XZd0
I think it’s best to start with the safety rating of different parts of the car. So, with that in mind:
How waterproof are the batteries and high-voltage components?
Are the batteries and high-voltage components of electric cars protected against water damage? Yes! Their waterproofing levels vary. Here's an overview of International Standards to which all EVs must comply:
Component | Waterproof Rating |
Batteries | |
Motor | IP55 |
Inverter | IP66 |
The battery has an IP67 rating. It can resist dust and be immersed in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The motor has an IP55 rating. This means it can tackle water jets from any angle. Lastly, the inverter has an IP66 rating. This gives it protection against dust and powerful water jets.
It's important to note that these ratings are determined by international standards. They show the level of protection, but don't guarantee water damage won't occur.
Pro Tip: If your electric car is flooded, disconnect the battery and get a professional to check and repair it.
What happens if an EV gets flooded?
Your EV—and indeed any electric car—is designed so that the risk of water and electricity mixing (and causing a problem) is not there. Of course, if a car is involved in some kind of accident that causes a breach in its protective systems then some risk may be introduced. What are those risks? Perhaps you are worried about driving through a flooded area. When you know the risks, you can avoid damage and staying safe. Here's a 4-step guide to what may happen if an EV gets flooded:
- Motor Damage: Water can harm the EV motor. The delicate electrical parts are not made for water contact. If water enters the motor, it can cause problems, such as short circuit.
- Short Circuits: When water reaches the EV electric wiring and connections, it can lead to short circuits. Water raises the chance of electrical current coursing through unplanned paths, and causing damage.
- Drivetrain Problems: Water can ruin the driveshaft, which links the electric motor to the wheels. When in water, the driveshaft can stop working or get stuck. This can keep the EV from moving or cause extra mechanical issues.
- Electrocution Risk: Water conducts electricity. If someone tries to drive an EV through a flood with a leak or electrical current, it can be dangerous.
Important point regarding ICE (gas/diesel cars):
It's worth noting that internal combustion engine vehicles also have their own issues when driving through deep water. Electrical safety needs to be taken into consideration no matter if the vehicle is electric or gas-powered.
On occasion, serious consequences have resulted from driving EVs through floods without taking proper safety measures. For example, if you were to be stuck (stationary) for an extended time in a flooded area, your risk of water ingress into the electrical workings, could cause lots of damage and repair costs.
You should always be careful and never try to drive an electric vehicle through a flood. The risks of water damage, electrical failures, and electrocution make it strongly advised against.
Are electric cars actually safer than ICE cars in flood water?
Electric cars vs. ICE cars in flood water: which is safer? Electric cars may be designed differently, but their safety in flood water can't be taken for granted. In water, both types of vehicles face risks.
EVs are thought of as better than ICE cars because they don't have an exhaust system that could get damaged or catch fire. Plus, their electrical components and battery pack may provide insulation against water. But, driving a car through deep water does introduce a risk and can be dangerous.
Electric cars are not immune to floods. The electrical systems and battery pack can get water damaged, lead to pricey repairs or total vehicle loss. So, it's important for drivers of both electric and ICE cars to be careful and avoid flooded areas if possible.
Even though EVs are regarded as safe, to put yourself (and car!) in the way of rising waters (and risk getting stuck) could destroy the car's battery pack. This is a reminder that electric cars should never be driven through deep water without proper precautions.
In short, standing or rising water, with the addition of time, are risky situations for any EV (and really, ANY gasoline car too).
But what about driving an EV in heavy rain?
Is it safe to drive an electric vehicle (EV) in heavy rain? Many people worry about this. But manufacturers design EVs with measures to protect key parts from water damage. Electric cars have waterproof seals and protective shields. Plus, their electrical systems are safe from water contact.
When driving in heavy rain, there are some things to be aware of. Avoid driving through floodwaters as it could cause damage. If you encounter flooded roads, find an alternative route or go around.
In order to ensure your EV stays in good condition, follow the manufacturer's maintenance and care guidelines. This way, you can experience the future of transportation safely!
So are electric cars completely safe to drive through flooded streets?
Electric cars and flooding can be a worrying mix. Can they safely drive through flooded streets? It's important to consider the potential risks and precautions to take when driving an electric car in such conditions.
Driving electric cars through flood water brings different challenges compared to gas-powered vehicles. An urgent concern is that water conducts electricity, which can have awful outcomes if it gets to the vehicle's electrical systems. Also, dipping the battery or electric motor in water may cause significant damage and bring about a fire risk.
To guarantee safety while driving through flooded streets, several precautions should be taken:
- It's vital to stay away from water that is too deep. Electric cars normally have a ground clearance specification, which should be followed to stop water from entering the car's electrical system important parts.
- Moreover, it's important to prioritize safety by not trying to drive through floodwaters if you don't know their depth or flow speed. Water currents are a major hazard, as they can drag a vehicle away or off course.
- Additionally, proper maintenance and regular check-ups of an electric car help decrease potential risks linked with driving in flood conditions. Ensure all seals and electrical connections in the vehicle are ok. This will lessen the risk of water getting into delicate areas.
IP system explained
It’s definitely worth explaining how the international protection ratings work, with a particular focus on EVs:
Let’s take IP65. The first digit, 6 in this case, refers to the seal against dry elements such as dust, or even fingers. The second digit, 5 here, is about the ingress of water.
In the example of IP65, the item is well sealed against dust ingress, and protected against the ingress of low-pressure jets of water from any direction. An IP of 66 means the water seal is rated as a 6, which means it is protected against strong jets of water. The highest water seal rank is 8 and you’d want a boat hull or submarine with an 8!
When you’re next shopping for light fittings, you will notice that any light, including many other everyday products have an IP rating.
In addition to an EV’s IP numbers, the main high-voltage parts are mostly always water cooled. If you’re constantly ‘bathing’ a battery in water to cool it, it would obviously require the highest possible water impermeability and a IP of 8.
Under regular circumstances, when a vehicle is undamaged, it is basically waterproof.
If any car is in an accident, then systems are compromised and there is an increased risk of shock-hazard and short-circuiting. Electric cars have a lot of safety systems that automatically engage in case of increased risk.
The high voltage electrics disengage when the impact sensor is triggered (in all modern cars including ICE)
High voltage is limited to the battery only.
The ground-fault detection system always monitors electrical connections between the body of the car and the high voltage system, as to remain safe, there must be complete isolation. If any fault is detected, the system instantly shuts off power to high voltage parts.
A number of fuses inside the battery pack also disconnect if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can electric cars be driven through water?
Yes, electric cars can be driven through water to a certain extent. They are designed with water-resistant components and sealed battery compartments, allowing them to handle driving in wet conditions.
2. How deep can an electric car safely go in water?
The safe depth for driving an electric car in water varies depending on the specific model. However, most electric cars can safely drive through water depths of up to 1 foot (30 centimeters) without any issues.
3. Are electric cars at risk of electrical damage when driving through water?
Electric cars are equipped with advanced electrical systems that are designed to protect against water damage. However, it is still possible for electrical components to be damaged if the water level exceeds the car's recommended safe depth or if the car is submerged for an extended period of time.
4. What precautions should be taken when driving an electric car through water?
When driving an electric car through water, it is important to stay within the recommended safe depth. Avoid driving through flooded areas if possible and be cautious of water levels that could potentially reach sensitive components or cause hydrolocking. It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid driving through deep water.
5. Can electric cars function properly after being driven through water?
In most cases, electric cars can continue to function properly after being driven through water, as long as the water does not exceed the safe depth and no significant water damage occurs. However, it is recommended to have the car inspected by a qualified technician to ensure all components are in good condition.
6. Will the warranty of an electric car be void if it is driven through water?
Driving an electric car through water within the recommended safe depth generally will not void the warranty. However, any damage caused by driving through deep water or exceeding the safe depth may not be covered under the warranty. It is important to thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the warranty for specific details.