Saltwater Flooding is a Serious Fire Threat for EVs

Other devices with lithium-ion batteries are also hazards when submersed in saltwater

Flooded American street with stuck vehicle surrounded with water in Florida residential area. Consequences of hurricane natural disaster.
Flooded American street with stuck vehicle surrounded with water in Florida residential area. Consequences of hurricane natural disaster.
ANDRII BILETSKYI via Envato
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Flooded American street with stuck vehicle surrounded with water in Florida residential area. Consequences of hurricane natural disaster.
Flooded American street with stuck vehicle surrounded with water in Florida residential area. Consequences of hurricane natural disaster.
ANDRII BILETSKYI via Envato
Saltwater Flooding is a Serious Fire Threat for EVs
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Flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the Southeast in September and October 2024, pushing buildings off their foundations and undercutting roads and bridges. It also caused dozens of electric vehicles and other battery-powered objects, such as scooters and golf carts, to catch fire.

According to one tally, 11 electric cars and 48 lithium-ion batteries caught fire after exposure to salty floodwater from Helene. In some cases, these fires spread to homes.

When a lithium-ion battery pack bursts into flames, it releases toxic fumes, burns violently and is extremely hard to put out. Frequently, firefighters’ only option is to let it burn out by itself.

Read the full article on The Conversation here.

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