Hurricane Idalia Flooding Can Cause EVs To Catch Fire Weeks After Storm

For many across the United States, hurricane season brings the possibility of effectively rendering your car a total loss. The proliferation of electric vehicles has added another element of danger: Saltwater-provoked lithium-ion battery fires.

CBS News reports that floodwaters from Hurricane Idalia caused at least two Tesla vehicles to burst into flames in Dunedin, Florida, roughly 20 miles north of St. Petersburg. The category four storm hit Florida’s Gulf Coast last week, with Tampa Bay experiencing a three-foot storm surge. Emergency services rescued at least 75 people from flooded areas around St. Petersburg.

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When saltwater evaporates, the residual salt left in the battery can create bridges between the cells in the lithium-ion battery pack and spark an inferno. The blaze can quickly create a house fire if the EV was stored inside an attached garage when the storm hit. It is important to note that the electric car can seem fine but burst into flames weeks after being exposed to saltwater. EV fires are notoriously difficult to put out, with firefighters still struggling for a safe way to handle EVs.

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