### Unprecedented Risk: Flooded Electric Vehicles Pose Fire Hazards in Hurricane Aftermath

Following the devastating hurricane that recently tore through Florida and lower Appalachia, a concerning issue has come to light involving electric vehicles (EVs) in flood situations. Pinellas County officials in Florida have flagged the dangerous potential for EVs, particularly Teslas, to catch fire after being submerged in saltwater. This revelation was shared on social media, notably highlighting the peril to residents who evacuated and left their EVs in flooded areas.

In an illustrative incident, a Tesla left in a garage during the hurricane had its battery pack compromised by the encroaching saltwater. Although Tesla's battery packs are designed to be waterproof and are housed in compartments meant to exclude water, prolonged exposure ultimately allowed saltwater to seep in. The conductive nature of saltwater caused a short-circuit in the battery cells, leading to a fire. This specific issue gained attention after Hurricane Ian, challenging the previously held belief in the waterproof integrity promised by Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk. The assertion that such vehicles could even function as a boat in emergencies now seems questionable.

The problem doesn't appear to be isolated to a single instance or location; recurring reports suggest a pattern. While data points to Teslas and smaller electric vehicles like e-bikes and scooters, it's undetermined whether this issue is widespread across all EV brands. Historical occurrences, such as fires involving early EVs and PHEVs from Fisker and Toyota after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, further suggest that this is not a new concern. However, since Teslas make up a significant share of the US EV market, it is unclear whether these vehicles are inherently more vulnerable or simply more commonly reported due to their prevalence.

The broader implications of this issue are significant. Not only do the affected vehicles pose direct risks to lives and property, but they also threaten to tarnish the safety reputation of the entire EV industry. The misconception that EVs are a greater fire hazard than combustion engine vehicles could gain traction if such incidents become common post-hurricanes.

Addressing this issue is critical. EV manufacturers must enhance the durability of their battery packs against prolonged water exposure. Improvements might include better sealing technologies and more effective pressure regulation within the packs. The goal should be to ensure that EVs can endure being submerged in water for extended periods without compromising safety.

The current situation underscores the necessity for better engineering standards, akin to products like IP68-rated phones that can survive prolonged submersion. Setting such standards for EVs could prevent future incidents, providing peace of mind for EV owners in flood-prone regions.