The United States, particularly in Florida, is facing Hurricane Ian at the moment as another massive storm heads to the coastal area that Hurricane Fiona brought to the country from Puerto Rico. Now, there are fears about driving electric vehicles through puddles or shallow floods, with Elon Musk saying otherwise and that it is safe to do so.
However, this does not mean that it is recommended to do, especially in areas that bring in saltwater during the rainy season.
Tesla EVs: Can You Drive it Over Puddles?
A Twitter user ranted online, saying that there are a lot of people that confuse the public regarding EVs that are not capable of taking on puddles or shallow floods on the streets.
It is also a timely one as Hurricane Ian is now in Florida and brings in a powerful storm and wind, which endanger its citizens as of the moment, with many evacuations taking place.
Some spread misinformation or over characterize their fears of taking EVs through floods, particularly Tesla electric vehicles, which are abundant in the country now.
According to Elon Musk, submarines have electric motors that go underwater and submerge with the entire vessel, proven to bring its entirety to deep ends. This statement only means that people are safe to drive cars in puddles and floods, but deep water may cause water to seep through door linings and flood the interior.
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Submarines use electric motors under water …
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 29, 2022
EV Drivetrains, Batteries Safe During Rainy Season?
EVs have no engine blocks and it only operates via electric drivetrains and batteries which center on the wheels to make the car move. It means that water cannot seep through any chambers or engines that may cause it to stall in floods.
According to The Drive.Io, EVs are safe even when fully submerged in water, and they may work during floods and through puddles despite fears behind them. However, do not attempt to drive or charge it after it sits on the water for a long time.
Additionally, ensure that an EV has enough mileage to avoid any problems during emergencies this rainy season.
Tesla's Test on Flooded Streets
Tesla electric vehicles have had a series of tests on flooded streets in different parts of the world, but one of its most significant performances took place in China where several EVs from the company waded through a tall one. Earlier this June, a storm hit China and flooded its streets, with a user video showing one stranded car, but the Tesla Model Y having no problems crossing it.
The EV also did not show any harmful effects as it crossed the flood or endangered the people submerged in it. The flood is also almost knee-deep in the video.
Another flooded road in China last July tested another Tesla electric vehicle as it went through the deep waters and drove straight without seeing any problems. Users called it a "Tesla boat" as it went through the flood and sprayed a lot of water around. This EV is the Tesla Model 3, another variant from the company's lineup which proved to be capable in floods.
People may drive their EVs through floods and during the rainy season as it would not have as many problems as one would expect or think of about the car. It comes equipped with a waterproofing system to protect its batteries or electric drivetrains, but only for freshwater or rains as salt water is known to cause problems, even leading to fires.
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Written by Isaiah Richard
