Hurricane Milton is making headlines not just for its powerful winds and storm surge but also for the growing concerns surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) and their potential fire hazards during the storm. Florida officials are sounding the alarm as this fierce hurricane approaches the state, posing significant risks to those with EVs and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
According to Florida's fire marshal, Jimmy Patronis, there’s increasing worry about the risk lithium-ion batteries pose if exposed to floodwaters, particularly saltwater. ‘We’ve seen electric vehicles turn from cherished assets to ticking time bombs,’ he said, encapsulating the seriousness of the situation. With Hurricane Milton classified as a Category 4 storm, it is projected to make landfall along Florida’s central west coast, unleashing storm surges coupled with potential flooding.
The National Hurricane Center has classified Hurricane Milton as fierce, with predictions of damaging winds and life-threatening storm surges. This turbulent weather is especially troubling for EV owners, who might face unforeseen dangers associated with their vehicles. Fires resulting from batteries submerged in saltwater can occur after the initial flood, making it imperative for people to take precautions to avoid disaster. This isn’t just speculation; historical incidents following hurricanes like Helene reveal concrete patterns of such fire outbreaks involving submerged EVs.
Past hurricanes have already provided cautionary tales. Following Hurricane Helene, officials reported nearly 50 lithium-ion battery fires linked to floodwaters, proving the risks associated with these vehicles when subjected to harsh conditions. Notably, 11 of those incidents involved electric vehicles, prompting officials to reevaluate safety protocols. Firefighters also recorded incidents involving vehicles like Tesla's, which ignited upon being exposed to saltwater. These alarming examples highlight the necessity for residents to plan carefully before the storm hits.
Patronis has urged residents to take decisive action, advising them to relocate their EVs to higher ground where they won't be at risk for flooding. "Keep your electric vehicles away from tide and flooding and have them parked at least 50 feet from structures to minimize fire risks,” he cautioned. After the storm has passed, any EV subjected to saltwater should be moved away from homes to prevent potential hazards. This guidance aims to alleviate the threat of fire, allowing homeowners to focus on repairing their properties instead.
What’s more, the chemical makeup of lithium-ion batteries contributes to their potential danger. These batteries, found not only in EVs but also electric scooters and other devices, contain flammable electrolyte materials. When damaged by water exposure, they can ignite or even explode. Comparatively, EVs and plug-in hybrids house around 1,000 times more battery cells than e-bikes, raising the stakes significantly. This means there’s greater potential for catastrophic failures during extreme weather conditions like those brought by hurricanes.
Speaking of preparedness, residents are reminded to refrain from charging flooded vehicles. Hillsborough County, situated within the hurricane’s path, has expressly cautioned EV owners against plugging their cars back in after floods. This careful guidance aims to prevent catastrophes stemming from high-risk conditions arising from combative elements like saltwater and the electrical components within these vehicles.
Surprisingly, many EV owners are caught between uncertainty and hope. For those contemplating evacuations prior to Milton making landfall, there’s mixed sentiment about the reliability of supercharging infrastructure. Some argue electric charging stations might not withstand the kind of rush typical just before hurricanes due to overpopulated gas stations running dry. Nevertheless, reports show EV chargers may remain less stressed and more readily available than traditional gas stations, which can lead to long lines and panic buying.
Research indicates during hurricanes, gas stations can run out of fuel fast, leading to increased wait times, leaving many gas-powered car owners stranded. During such crises, the accessibility of charging stations could favor those with electric vehicles, presenting them as agile survivors capable of negotiating escape routes with relative ease.
And as for those who might remain behind during the storm, there is still cause for optimism. Owners of Tesla or other long-range EVs can prepare their vehicles to double as backup generators if the need arises after Milton passes. With the capability to power home devices and keep essentials running for days, electric vehicles can transcend their primary function, providing safety and comfort during severe events. This kind of versatile preparedness has become valuable as hurricane-induced outages might leave many without power, underscoring the benefits of electric battery capacity.
Nevertheless, it’s wise for EV owners to familiarize themselves with their vehicle's manual when confronting rising waters or post-hurricane recovery efforts. Tesla, for example, has released advisories about what to do when facing risks with lithium-ion batteries. General protocols suggest maintaining airflow by leaving windows and doors open to allow any flammable gases to escape, avoiding contact with high voltage components, and monitoring battery conditions closely.
Though the consensus among experts is EV fires are relatively infrequent, they remain notable due to their severity. Comprehensive research is being conducted to investigate battery behavior under flood conditions, ideas for enhancing future battery designs and their resilience during similar natural disasters. Automotive engineers are continuously working to improve the safety of lithium-ion batteries, reinforcing the belief among many experts: electric vehicles hold promise for future transport, even amid the unique hazards storms like Milton present.
For now, as Florida braces itself for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, the advisories surrounding electric vehicles are clear. For all who own EVs, staying vigilant, prepared, and informed will be key strategies throughout the storm and its aftermath.
