Hurricanes pose unique challenges to coastal communities, and as the frequency of such storms rises due to climate change, so does scrutiny over the myriad issues they bring. One topic of much debate is the vulnerability of electric vehicles (EVs) to storm conditions, particularly their lithium-ion batteries when exposed to salt water. With the likes of Hurricane Milton wreaking havoc on Florida's shores, this issue has come to the forefront, raising concerns on safety and emergency responses.
Hurricanes, like Milton and Helene, not only bring torrential rain and wind but also severe flooding. When the storm surge pushes seawater onto roads, residents find themselves grappling with the aftermath — and for EV owners, this flood could spell disaster. "Anything that's lithium-ion and exposed to salt water can have an issue," explains Bill Morelli, fire chief of Seminole, Florida. The risk intensifies with the size of the battery; the larger the battery, the higher the potential threat. This situation reflects the burgeoning popularity of electric vehicles, which are more susceptible to the elements than many realize.
Despite the concerns, data from previous storms provide some perspective. Following Hurricane Ian's 2022 landfall, about 1% of the submerged EVs were reported to have caught fire, figures reported by the Idaho National Laboratory indicate. Subsequently, as Milton approached, warnings were issued by local authorities urging residents to move their EVs to higher ground — could these vehicles really be ticking time bombs as some critics suggest?
Social media often amplifies these concerns, with memes and commentary highlighting the perceived risks of owning EVs during hurricane season. Reactions across platforms show polarized views: some EV owners proudly display their vehicles charging at home, avoiding the gas lines formed as others prepare for evacuations.
Nevertheless, there exist real risks associated with submerged electric vehicles. Emma Sutcliffe, project director for EV FireSafe, asserts, "Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when submerged in salt water, albeit this happens quite rarely and usually only after being submerged for days or even weeks." Sutcliffe's team has noted 34 reports of EV battery fires resulting from salt-water submersion globally, primarily following hurricanes. The chemistry of these batteries poses unique challenges: if salt water reaches the battery's interior, it can initiate short circuits and thermal runaway—a dangerous heating process where cells heat each other up until they ignite.
A fire department's approach to EV fires diverges greatly from traditional vehicle fires. First responders are equipped with unique strategies to combat lithium-ion fires, which burn hotter and generate their own oxygen, complicate extinguishing efforts. Morelli details the need for immense quantities of water—between 3,000 to 8,000 gallons—to suppress these blazes adequately. During disasters, accessing such quantities of water can become significant hurdles for firefighting teams already stretched thin.
The trend is only worsening as electric vehicles become more prevalent. There were ten confirmed battery-related fires associated with Hurricane Helene alone, including instances involving Teslas and e-bikes. Following each storm, the calls for reflection grow: how can emergency services be trained effectively to handle these situations, and how might manufacturers create safer batteries?
Training is, and must be, comprehensive. Yet, of the estimated 1.2 million firefighters across the U.S., only about 350,000 have undergone specialized training for EV fires. This gap highlights the dire need for improved education and readiness among fire crews on new vehicle technologies.
Even after the storm passes, the dangers of these batteries linger. The U.S. Department of Transportation warns of delayed ignition risks: damaged batteries can catch fire days or even weeks post-storm. Tesla has advised owners to refrain from operating their vehicles until inspected by certified dealers.
Addressing these hazards does not fall solely on first responders; automakers and researchers also bear significant responsibility. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is funding research exploring safe home battery storage solutions, and initiatives to develop new battery technologies are underway. Yang Yang, from the University of Central Florida, has crafted prototype batteries engineered to withstand salt water, potentially revolutionizing EV safety. “It can be soaked in salty water and still works well,” Yang states, envisioning their future use in commercial vehicles.
Despite the promise on the horizon, the media attention surrounding these battery incidents continues to cultivate anxiety among the public and perhaps overexaggerate risks. John Higham from the U.S. EV Association points to clickbait reporting of isolated incidents exacerbated by misunderstanding of electric vehicle technology. He emphasizes, "All vehicles have their challenges, but we’re used to handling combustion engines. This is still new territory for us with EVs; educational efforts are intrinsic to dispelling uncertainty."
The essence is undeniable: as climate change intensifies, the intersection of technology and nature will progressively reveal both the merits and pitfalls of electric vehicles. Any natural disaster has the potential to shine the spotlight on these challenges and compel the auto industry toward innovation and improvement. Hurricane Milton and others may become catalysts for change, reshaping the conversation about the future of EVs during, and after, storms.
Returning to our earlier question of safety, Morelli hints at optimism intertwined with caution: “We need to prepare, educate ourselves and develop resources. That’s our only chance to stay safe as the world around us changes.” The narratives may diverge, but the need for informed discussions about electric vehicles, environmental impacts, and disaster preparedness continues to rise to the surface.
