Electric Vehicle Risks Exposed By Unusual Incident In Flooded Garage

Flooded residential area with partially submerged cars and buildings.

A Tesla spontaneously combusted in a flooded Florida garage, drawing attention to the risks electric vehicles face post-hurricanes.

At a Glance

Electric vehicles can catch fire if inundated by saltwater.
EV owners should take precautions in hurricane-prone areas.
Keep EVs away from standing water to avoid fire risks.
Authorities emphasize professional inspections post-storm.

Tesla Fire Incident in Florida

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a Tesla caught fire in a Pinellas County garage that had been flooded with saltwater. Surveillance footage showed the fire starting beneath the vehicle and quickly engulfing it. This incident has underscored the significant hazards facing electric vehicles (EVs) in regions prone to severe weather and flooding.

Authorities have stressed that EV owners must exercise extreme caution during and after such natural disasters. Specifically, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised residents to move their electric vehicles to higher ground before the storm’s arrival to minimize risks.

Electric Vehicles that have been flooded in saltwater can catch fire. If you evacuated and left an electric vehicle or golf cart in your garage or under a building and you are not able to get to it or move it, we want you to let us know. /1 pic.twitter.com/dpfiXRAGuR

— Pinellas County (@PinellasGov) September 28, 2024

Risks Highlighted by Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across multiple southeastern states, causing over 91 deaths and extensive power outages. The Category 4 storm’s aftermath revealed the dangers posed to EVs, particularly when inundated by saltwater. Saltwater’s conductive properties can bridge the gap between battery terminals, leading to short circuits and fires. This issue has been a growing concern since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, prompting ongoing research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to the Associated Press, “Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so owners who live in the path of a major storm like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility that they’ll be unable to charge their cars during a power outage.”

Preventative and post-storm safety measures are critical to avoiding such dangers. Owners are strongly advised to tow their submerged vehicles at least 50 feet away from structures until they can be professionally inspected. Parking vehicles in elevated areas helps reduce the risk of saltwater exposure, which can compromise moisture seals in lithium-ion batteries, leading to potential combustion.

Officials have warned electric vehicle (EV) owners in the path of Hurricane Helene that their EVs are at risk of catching fire if flooded with saltwater and to take necessary precautions. https://t.co/5fRICDwate

— NTD News (@NTDNews) September 29, 2024

Safety Recommendations and Federal Response

Authorities have provided several guidelines for EV owners to ensure safety in the wake of such disasters. These include not charging, driving, or storing electric vehicles in homes or garages if they have been submerged. Relocating vehicles to higher ground and having them inspected by professionals are also advised. The NHTSA continues to improve battery safety and proposes updates to safety requirements to mitigate these risks.

President Biden has assured extensive federal support for the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Recovery efforts are being bolstered by the deployment of disaster workers from the American Red Cross, who have opened numerous shelters for those impacted by the storm.