The News Wheel
No Comments

Are Electric Cars Ok After a Flood?

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page

Generally, people know that a car that was in a flood is likely going to have severe problems. Flood waters pool in engine parts that are definitely not supposed to have water in them, while washing a variety of mud and other contaminants into every nook and cranny. This is not what you want for good combustion. However, what about when it comes to electric vehicles?


Interesting: The 2019 Chevy Silverado has a special bed design called the Durabed


On the one hand, some electric vehicles are more resistant to flood damage. Since there is no combustion engine, flood water can’t mess up the reaction. It also seems that, so long as the battery cells and other high-voltage parts are contained in sealed units (which they often are), they might escape damage from the water.

If water does get into the battery, though, things can get extremely dangerous. Rich Rebuilds, a YouTube video maker, salvaged a Tesla Model S from a flood, and salt water had penetrated some of the modules in the battery pack. When disassembling one of the waterlogged modules, it began to explode. The bottom line is that high-voltage batteries do not play well with water.


Need a New Vehicle? These are the best commuting vehicles from Chevrolet


Beyond that, all the electronics that water would corrode on a gasoline car would be just as corroded on an electric car. Wiring harnesses and circuit boards are just as vulnerable no matter the power source, and upholstery can develop mold.

Bottom line, be aware that any vehicle that has been in a flood, whether gas or electric, will have problems.

News Source: Green Car Reports