At ZETA, our hearts are with those in the Southeast as they recover and rebuild after Hurricane Helene, and those preparing for the impact of Hurricane Milton. Ensuring the safety of our communities as they face such destruction and devastation is our top priority.

Safety remains the top priority for ZETA and the companies we represent. With Hurricane Milton’s potentially historic storm surges approaching, we want to share essential public safety information about electric vehicles.

To be very clear, extreme weather patterns, like those anticipated in the coming days, can create conditions that may cause an ignition event if not addressed promptly. When an EV is submerged in saltwater for an extended period, there is a risk of fire due to damage to the battery pack, which can result in a short circuit.

What should I do if I live in the path of a hurricane storm surge?

Here are some important steps EV owners can take to protect themselves and their personal property during a hurricane:

• Move your vehicle from the area: If possible, relocate your EV from the hurricane’s path. If you are evacuating, taking the EV with you is the best way to prevent it from being submerged during a storm surge.
• Park your vehicle on higher ground: Move your vehicle to higher ground, at least 50 feet away from buildings or other combustible materials, to reduce the potential risk of fire. 
• Do not leave your vehicle plugged in: Do not leave your vehicle plugged in during the storm, as this can worsen any potential ignition event.

What should I do if my EV gets flooded?

Like all vehicles, it’s not advisable to leave an EV submerged for an extended period. If your EV does get submerged in fresh or saltwater, take the following steps:

• Contact your insurance provider: Treat your vehicle as if it has been in an accident and contact your insurance provider promptly.
• Tow your vehicle to a qualified service center: Do not attempt to drive or charge your vehicle until it has been inspected by a qualified service provider. Refer to your Owner’s Manual or the manufacturer’s website for information on towing and service centers. 

Why does saltwater create EV fire risk?

Saltwater is corrosive and can damage the battery pack. If an EV is submerged in saltwater for an extended period of time—ranging from as little as a few hours to a couple of days—it can compromise the battery pack, potentially causing a short circuit. This can permanently damage the battery system and, in some cases, result in a battery fire.

What about freshwater and heavy rain?

Freshwater exposure is unlikely to cause a fire risk, as it does not have the same corrosive effect as saltwater, which can break down the battery casing. It also does not conduct electricity like saltwater.

EVs are tested for ingress protection—an international standard that tests how resistant a device is against water and dust—with some newer EV models meeting IP68 rating and older vehicles tested at the IP67 level. This means that the battery is dust tight and has been tested for protection against immersion in water. In fact, during Hurricane Helene a Rivian R1T owner’s vehicle survived record floodwaters in Asheville, NC—flooding that would normally total a vehicle. 

EVs also do not present an electrocution risk for first responders in standing water. 

What else should I know?

Safety is a top concern for the EV industry. For more information on battery technology, EV safety, and the industry’s support for first responders, see the ZETA Education Fund’s policy brief Safety First: Practices, Policies, and Requirements in the EV Sector.

To learn more about preparing for Hurricane Milton, please click here.