Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, underscoring the vulnerabilities of EVs during severe weather events. As the storm swept through Florida, it caused substantial damage to infrastructure, and many vehicles, particularly EVs, were exposed to the unique challenges posed by flooding and saltwater.
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused losses of $28 to $30 million across 672 vehicles at one dealership alone.
Among the casualties were new and used cars, with reports highlighting the challenges electric vehicle owners face in the face of rising floodwaters. For instance, a Tesla caught fire in a garage after being submerged in saltwater, demonstrating the acute risks associated with flooding.
On Siesta Key, the storm's storm surge inundated homes and vehicles, resulting in one particularly dramatic incident: a Tesla Model X Plaid ignited, destroying a $6 million residence.
Residents were warned ahead of the storm, with officials advising them to park their vehicles on higher ground to mitigate flood risks. Yet, many found themselves unable to evacuate their EVs in time.
The combination of saltwater flooding and electric vehicles presents a particularly dangerous scenario. Saltwater is more conductive than freshwater, which can lead to battery failures and potentially trigger thermal runaway—a condition in which a battery overheats and can ignite.
Pinellas County officials issued warnings about the potential for EVs submerged in saltwater to catch fire, advising owners to avoid charging or parking EVs in garages until a dealership could inspect them(
With over 238,500 electric vehicles registered in Florida, the state has the second-largest EV market in the country. This makes the threat of saltwater flooding during hurricanes a pressing concern.
One critical aspect of EV safety that Gulf Coast residents must understand is thermal runaway. This phenomenon occurs when a battery cell overheats, often due to damage or manufacturing defects, leading to a cascading reaction that can result in fires or explosions. EnergySage. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in EVs, are particularly susceptible to thermal runaway, especially if subjected to saltwater exposure.
The initial stages of thermal runaway begin with a short circuit or internal failure, generating heat that can compromise nearby cells and lead to more significant failures. If not adequately managed, this can result in a difficult fire to extinguish, given that the battery’s chemical composition sustains combustion even without external sources of oxygen.
Modern EVs incorporate advanced battery management systems (BMS) to monitor conditions and prevent such catastrophic failures
Hurricane Helene is a critical reminder of the need for heightened awareness among electric vehicle owners, particularly in regions susceptible to hurricanes and flooding. Authorities stress the importance of following evacuation orders and implementing preventive measures to safeguard vehicles and properties.
As the automotive landscape evolves, so must our understanding of the risks associated with electric vehicles, especially during severe weather events. By educating consumers on the potential dangers and encouraging preparedness, we can better navigate the challenges posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
