### Electric Vehicle Safety Measures Advised Amid Hurricane Threats

Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) in areas threatened by major storms such as Hurricane Helene should take precautions due to the risk of fires from saltwater inundation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has advised EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground ahead of the storm. Although rare, instances of EVs catching fire after hurricanes have been documented in recent years.

The best way to mitigate the risk of an EV fire is to prevent the vehicle from being submerged in standing water. Tesla, like other manufacturers, advises against letting vehicles become submerged and suggests towing them at least 50 feet away from structures or anything combustible if they do end up underwater. Keeping EVs charged can also help owners be prepared for power outages.

However, power outages pose a challenge as EVs cannot be charged during such times. While this might constrain driving, gasoline-powered vehicles face similar issues since gas stations also lose the ability to pump fuel without electricity. This point was highlighted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has been studying the phenomenon since Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast in 2012.

Hurricane Ian, two years ago, compromised the batteries of up to 5,000 electric vehicles, and 36 of them caught fire. The subsequent Hurricane Idalia last year led to similar incidents, albeit fewer in number. Increased awareness among residents likely contributed to less damage as many moved their vehicles to safer locations.

NHTSA researchers have noted that these fires are specifically linked to saltwater exposure. Similar issues have not been noted after freshwater flooding, such as the incidents in California earlier this year caused by heavy rains. Lithium-ion batteries in EVs can short circuit and heat up when exposed to saltwater, potentially leading to a chain reaction known as thermal runaway.

Carmakers implement design features to prevent such problems, including insulation barriers between battery cells and moisture seals. However, prolonged submersion in water can overwhelm these protections. Even after floodwaters recede, residual salt can still pose a risk, necessitating thorough inspections of affected vehicles.

To further enhance safety, the NHTSA is working on improving battery safety standards and updating regulatory requirements. While it’s not guaranteed that every submerged EV will catch fire, timely and careful checks are essential for preventing potential hazards.