Shocking Post-Hurricane Disasters Compound Victims’ Sorrows

Electric vehicle owners in Florida face a shocking new danger as Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters trigger a surge of home fires linked to saltwater-exposed EV batteries.

At a Glance

Numerous fires reported in Florida due to electric vehicles exposed to saltwater during Hurricane Helene.
Saltwater exposure to lithium-ion batteries in vehicles leads to dangerous short circuits and potential fires.
Florida officials warn residents to move electric vehicles exposed to saltwater at least 50 feet away from homes.
Electric car fires are harder to extinguish than gas vehicle fires due to lithium-ion batteries.
Florida has the second-highest number of registered electric vehicles in the U.S., with over 250,000.

Hurricane Helene Unleashes EV Fire Hazard

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path through Florida, a new threat has emerged for homeowners: electric vehicle (EV) fires. The storm’s saltwater flooding has triggered a dangerous chain reaction in EV batteries, leading to an alarming increase in residential fires. The Tampa Bay area, which experienced a surge of 5-8 feet, has been particularly hard hit by this unforeseen consequence of the hurricane.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor reported incidents of cars and scooters exploding after saltwater exposure, highlighting the severity of the situation. This phenomenon isn’t unique to Hurricane Helene; similar EV-related fires were reported during previous hurricanes Idalia and Ian, indicating a recurring problem in flood-prone coastal areas.

The Science Behind the Fires

The culprit behind these fires is a process known as “thermal runaway.” When saltwater floods compromise lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in EVs, it can lead to dangerous short circuits. Unlike freshwater, saltwater is an excellent conductor of electricity, capable of bridging the gap between positive and negative terminals in EV batteries.

“If the saltwater is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, then it can cause a short circuit,” said Tom Barth, who is chief of the special investigations branch of the NTSB’s office of highway safety.

This short-circuiting can initiate a chain reaction within the battery, causing it to overheat and potentially ignite. What’s more concerning is that these fires can occur long after the initial flooding, as residual salt continues to conduct electricity within the battery components.

Officials Sound the Alarm

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has been vocal about the dangers posed by electric vehicles in floodwaters. The state has reported 16 lithium-related battery fires and issued stark warnings about the risks.

“We saw a number of fires associated with EVs from Hurricane Ian,” Patronis previously stated. “We know that the saltwater from storm surge can compromise these batteries, causing fires which cannot be easily suppressed. The best fire teams can do is keep water on the battery until the fuel burns out.”

Local authorities are taking action to mitigate these risks. Pinellas County has warned residents to move electric vehicles exposed to saltwater at least 50 feet away from homes. This precautionary measure is crucial, as EV fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries.

Precautions and Recommendations

For EV owners in hurricane-prone areas, taking preventive measures is crucial. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised electric vehicle owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before Hurricane Helene hit. Tesla, a major EV manufacturer, recommends towing submerged vehicles at least 50 feet away from structures until they can be inspected.

Experts also suggest keeping EVs charged before a storm, similar to keeping a gas tank full, to offer flexibility during power outages. However, it’s crucial to avoid charging vehicles that have been exposed to saltwater until they’ve been thoroughly inspected and cleared by professionals.

As Florida grapples with this new challenge, the incident serves as a wake-up call for EV owners and manufacturers alike. With over 250,000 registered electric vehicles in Florida, the second-highest number in the U.S., addressing this issue is paramount for public safety in coastal and flood-prone regions.