Authorities issue warning: Saltwater exposure can cause electric vehicles to ignite.
Hurricane Idalia and Electric Vehicle Fire Risk in Florida
Hurricane Idalia and subsequent floods have created a concerning situation for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Florida. According to statements from the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue (PHFR), batteries exposed to saltwater become susceptible to combustion, posing a fire risk.
“WARNING. If you own a hybrid or electric vehicle that has come into contact with saltwater due to recent flooding within the last 24 hours, it is crucial to relocate the vehicle from your garage without delay. Saltwater exposure can trigger combustion in lithium-ion batteries. If possible, transfer your vehicle to higher ground,” PHFR advised in an Aug. 31 Facebook post.
“This includes golf carts and electric scooters. Don’t drive these through water. PHFR crews have seen numerous residents out in golf carts and children on scooters riding through water.”
EV Fires and the Lingering Danger of Saltwater
The issue with saltwater is that even if the water dries off, the residue can remain, potentially triggering electrical connections within the EV battery, which eventually sparks into a fire. PHFR highlighted two Tesla EVs in Dunedin that had caught fire as examples of this risk.
Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis had previously warned citizens about the fire hazard posed by saltwater in electric vehicles. He emphasized that these fires are not easily suppressed and can only be managed by keeping water on the battery until the fuel burns out.
Delayed Fire Threat and Lack of Awareness
It is important to note that lithium-ion batteries do not necessarily catch fire immediately after being exposed to water. Instead, fires can break out days or even weeks later. Many EV owners are unaware of the risks that floods pose to their vehicles.
Patrick Olsen, spokesperson for Carfax, which sells new and used vehicles, explained, “I have heard EV owners say, ‘I don’t have an engine that can be flooded so I can drive in deep water.’ That’s not the case.”
PHFR training chief Jason Haynes shared an incident where a submerged Tesla suddenly burst into flames while being towed by fire crews.
Understanding EV Battery Fires and Tesla’s Guidance
Lithium-ion batteries in EVs consist of groups of cells packed inside a compartment, along with a flammable liquid electrolyte. These batteries can contain up to 1,000 times more cells compared to e-bikes.
When water enters an EV battery, it can trigger a short circuit, causing the cells to discharge energy and heat. This can lead to a dangerous situation called “thermal runaway,” where the heat spreads from one cell to another, resulting in an outburst.
Thomas Barth, chief of the special investigations branch of highway safety at the National Transportation Safety Board, explained, “If you have a damaged lithium-ion battery and it has energy which remains in the battery pack, we call that stranded energy … If you initiate a thermal runaway or venting of the flammable gas, the battery can ignite.”
In some cases, even if the water drains out of the battery without incident, contaminants and leftover substances like salt can still cause short-circuiting.
Tesla has provided guidance for owners on how to handle submerged EVs. They advise towing the vehicle or moving it at least 50 feet away from structures and combustible materials. The company also warns against attempting to operate a submerged vehicle unless it has been inspected by an authorized shop. If any signs of fire, smoke, or heating are noticed, owners are urged to step away and contact local first responders.
EV Fire Risk and the Aftermath of Hurricane Ian
The issue of EVs catching fire was a significant concern following Hurricane Ian in 2022. Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis described the potential for EV fires as a “ticking time bomb” in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
He witnessed an EV continuously igniting and reigniting, despite fire teams dousing it with tens of thousands of gallons of water. This firsthand experience highlighted the severity of the fire risk associated with EVs in the aftermath of a hurricane.
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