“Electric Car Safety: Navigating Flooded Roads”

In the past, when electric vehicles were not popular, the biggest concern of gasoline car users was hydrostatic lock – the phenomenon of water entering the combustion chamber through the air intake or exhaust pipe, causing the engine to stall, piston damage, or even severe engine damage. In addition, water entering the gearbox, oil, or coolant can also cause serious damage.

Meanwhile, electric cars are considered to have better water resistance than gasoline or diesel cars under permissible conditions. Electric vehicles have a simpler construction with a motor and battery pack. The battery pack in an electric vehicle is sealed, similar to an electric motor and controller.

According to Financial Express, an Indian and international financial and business news magazine, electric cars are quite safe to drive through flooded roads thanks to their IP67 or IP65 protection against water ingress, depending on the type of vehicle. The higher the IP rating, the better the dust and water resistance. Therefore, modern electric vehicles can operate in water up to one meter deep for about 30 minutes without any safety issues. Additionally, the battery pack inside the vehicle is usually equipped with multiple layers of protection and can self-isolate from the rest of the vehicle. As a result, the risk of electrical leakage, short circuit, or fire when navigating through flooded areas may not be a significant concern.

Although electric cars have better water resistance than fossil fuel-powered vehicles, it does not mean they can turn into boats. Electric vehicles can ensure safety when operating within permissible water levels and time limits to avoid getting stuck in unforeseen circumstances, not in all cases. 

When driving an electric vehicle in deep water for an extended period, there is a possibility of water entering the battery pack or electric motor. Since the battery is located under the vehicle’s body, if it encounters a pothole or a strong impact, the protective layer may crack and allow water to penetrate. Moreover, if the vehicle is submerged for too long, water can seep into the cabin through the door seals and damage interior components such as floors or leather seats. This risk is considered similar to that of a gasoline car.

Furthermore, driving in bad weather and encountering strong currents can easily sweep the vehicle away. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving electric cars through flooded roads frequently to ensure safety and prolong the vehicle’s lifespan. In case it is necessary to wade through water, try to avoid stopping for too long, and then take the car to a garage for inspection to detect any potential damage early on.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)

Image: Sinh Vien Viet Nam