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Driving electric cars in floods raises questions and concerns. Learn the truth about the risks and how to ensure safety in this type of situation.
The weather has become increasingly unpredictable in recent times, and social media is full of images that portray the difficult reality of many drivers. In several videos, you can see car owners saying goodbye to their vehicles as they are taken away after being damaged by floods. Find out if driving electric cars in floods is dangerous.
In other cases, some people share tips on how to protect your car from natural disasters, such as using plastic wrap to prevent damage caused by heavy rain. It's no secret that cars and water don't mix well, but the issue is even more serious. complex when we talk about electric vehicles.
The impact of flooding on these cars has become a recurring topic of discussion as extreme weather conditions continue to affect roads and even garages.
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But is driving an electric car in a flood more dangerous? And what happens if a driver is driving an electric car during a flood? The short answer is: yes, electric cars face increased risks in flood conditions, but the dangers are common to all types of vehicles.
The dangers of driving electric cars in floods
No vehicle, whether electric or gasoline-powered, is designed to travel through floodwaters, especially while in motion. In the United States, weather agencies warn that half of all flood deaths involve vehicles.
In the case of electric cars, water can not only sweep them off course or cause the driver to drown, but it can also irreparably damage the battery.
Electric vehicles are designed to withstand some exposure to water, but flooding can lead to a number of serious, even fatal, problems. Electric car batteries are usually sealed to prevent water from getting in, but in extreme situations, such as flooding, water can get in and cause a short circuit.
Additionally, exposing the mechanical and internal parts of cars to water can cause additional damage, making any vehicle, electric or otherwise, vulnerable when submerged. If you’ve ever driven your EV into a flood, it’s essential to check your car immediately to ensure it’s still safe to drive.
What is the maximum amount of water an electric vehicle can cross?
According to industry authorities in the United States, It is recommended not to drive through flood waters deeper than 10,16 cm, a measure considered safe to prevent damage to the vehicle or loss of control. However, electric vehicle manufacturers provide more specific guidelines on the maximum depth their models can travel.
For example, Tesla indicates that its model can ford up to 81,28 cm deep, while the Cybertruck reaches 82,55 cm. The Nissan Leaf, on the other hand, supports up to 69,85 cm, and the Ford F-150 Lightning can cross up to 60,96 cm of water. The Audi Q8 has a maximum fording depth of 29,97 cm.
This capacity varies depending on the model and ground clearance of the car, as well as other mechanical components. However, this measurement should not be seen as a challenge for drivers.
Forcing the fording limit can result in serious damage to your vehicle, not to mention the risk of being swept away by the water currents or even being completely submerged. Therefore, the safest option is to avoid water that is more than ten centimeters deep and, whenever possible, avoid driving in flood conditions.
The safest decision: it's better not to drive electric cars in floods
The best decision, regardless of the make and model of your car, is to avoid driving through flooded areas altogether. Even if your vehicle is designed to withstand a certain amount of water, the forces of the current and the potential for damage to the battery and other components are too great to ignore. What’s more, the situation can quickly escalate, becoming more dangerous than it first appears.
In times of unpredictable weather and increasingly frequent natural disasters, it is crucial to be aware of the risks of driving in extreme conditions. Electric cars, although designed to be more environmentally friendly and efficient, are not immune to the challenges posed by water. Therefore, the recommendation is clear: in the event of a flood, it is better not to take risks.
