Electric vehicles and floods: How to stay safe and minimise risk

To help electric vehicle owners affected by flooding in New South Wales and Queensland, we’ve put together some information about the risk of battery fire and electrocution.

The risk of fire and electrocution is very low, but it’s good to be alert to the potential risks as flood waters subside.

Please note that this is advisory only, and you should always follow directions from your local emergency response agency.

And if your EV has been submerged in water, do NOT attempt to drive it or connect it to charging!

 

Here’s what you should know…

EV battery fire risk

1. EV safety systems and battery packs are designed to be safe in water, even if fully submerged.

2. However, EVs that have been submerged in water, particularly salt water, may have a higher potential risk of experiencing a battery short circuit, which may result in a battery fire.

3. Once flood waters have subsided and submerged EVs start to drain, you should watch for the signs of EV battery fire, which include:

Electrocution risk (also see NFPA Submerged Hybrid / Electric Vehicles guide below):

1. EV high voltage (HV) battery is isolated from the vehicle chassis & electrocution risk is low.

2. A submerged EV does not electrify the water around it, however if bubbles are present, move away from the vehicle as these may contain toxic gases.

3. Exposed ORANGE cables and components indicate high voltage of over 300V and a risk of electrocution.

– Do not touch any exposed ORANGE cables.

– Do not touch exposed components that are coloured ORANGE or have ORANGE warning stickers on them.

If you see exposed ORANGE cables or components in your EV, EVACUATE the area immediately & call 000 and/or your EV manufacturer for advice.

Removal and towing

1. Once flood waters have subsided and if there are no signs of fire or no exposed HV cables and components are observed, contact your EV manufacturer for advice on removal and towing.

2. If hiring a towing company to move your EV, ensure they’ve read the manufacturer emergency response guide to determine exactly how to tow the EV to reduce risk.

3. It’s a good idea for EVs that have been submerged to be stored at least 15m from other vehicles in a tow yard, in the unlikely event the battery catches fire later.

If signs of fire are identified during removal or storage, evacuate the area immediately & call 000

For more information & a complete list of EV emergency response guides, see:

NFPA (US) – Submerged Hybrid / Electric Vehicles Bulletin

NFPA (US) – Emergency Response Guides for Alternative Fuel Vehicles (note: contains many EVs not available in Australia)

ANCAP RESCUE app – all EV & ICE vehicle ERG & SDS

EV FireSafe – Emergency manuals

Tesla Emergency Responders Information

Hyundai Emergency Responders Information

Read more in The Driven – Is a battery electric vehicle safe in a flood?