Are New Energy Vehicles Dangerous When Wading Through Water?

[StCaroline]

New energy vehicles are not dangerous when wading through water. The relevant details are as follows: 1. The wading depth of new energy vehicles is 70 centimeters: Although the water depth exceeds the height of the car chassis, there is no danger. Unlike the traditional "slow entry, steady exit" strategy commonly used by gasoline vehicles when passing through waterlogged sections, electric vehicles adopt a strategy of moving at a constant speed when wading. The main reason is that if a gasoline vehicle enters the water too quickly, water can easily enter the air intake, causing engine damage, whereas the power devices of electric vehicles are all sealed during operation. 2. Waterproof measures for electric vehicles: For electric vehicles, since there is no internal combustion engine, there is no need to worry about air intake and exhaust issues, so their wading capability is far superior to that of fuel vehicles. They can generally operate normally in water up to 40 centimeters deep. The engine compartment of an electric vehicle is neatly arranged, and core components such as the electronic control and motor have sufficient protective measures. The motor is fully sealed and does not need to connect with the outside. Moreover, to ensure safety, the input connectors of the electric vehicle powertrain and cables generally meet IPX4 or IPX5 protection levels. IPX4-IPX6 indicates that the equipment can prevent splashing, spraying, and other impacts; IPX7 represents a waterproof design, meaning the interior will not be affected even if submerged in 1 meter of water for half an hour.

[Ashlyn]

As a frequent driver of new energy vehicles, I am well aware of the significant risks associated with wading through water. Although the battery pack of an electric vehicle has an IP67 waterproof rating (allowing it to stay in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes), road water accumulation usually has strong currents or debris. Exceeding the limit can lead to short circuits, battery thermal runaway, or motor failure, and in severe cases, smoke or even fire. Traditional fuel vehicles' engines are prone to damage when flooded, but the high-voltage systems of new energy vehicles are even more vulnerable to water immersion. Once the wading depth exceeds 30 cm, the risk increases sharply. I have seen cases where a driver caused high-voltage failure by wading through water on a rainy day, resulting in repair costs exceeding tens of thousands. In actual driving, I recommend avoiding deep water areas and keeping the wading depth below the midpoint of the wheel hub. After wading, check the chassis and charging port for any leaks. Regular maintenance can test the integrity of sealing strips to ensure safety during the rainy season. Prevention is always better than regret after the fact.

[JamesonDella]

I find driving a new energy vehicle quite interesting, but when it comes to wading through water, you really can't be too careful. The battery pack is designed with good waterproofing, like the IP67 standard which allows for brief submersion, but in deep or murky water, the protection isn't reliable and can lead to short circuits and battery degradation. High-voltage electrical systems are most vulnerable to moisture, and there's also a significant risk of electric shock. A friend once had an experience with wading, saying the car suddenly lost power and had to be towed for repairs, costing a lot of money and time. When encountering waterlogged areas in an electric car, I simply detour or stop and wait. The wading depth shouldn't exceed 25 centimeters, and speed should be reduced to minimize impact. Afterwards, don't forget to check the warning lights and the condition of the chassis. Simply put, safe driving is common sense—don't take risks just to save trouble.

[DelLila]

As someone who follows automotive technology, I see real hazards in electric vehicles driving through water. The main risks lie in the high-voltage system: while battery sealing meets IP67 waterproof standards (1 meter depth for 30 minutes), turbulent water flow in reality can compromise this protection, leading to short circuits or battery corrosion; water entering the motor may cause it to stop, affecting propulsion. Water conductivity can interfere with sensors during water fording, causing false alarms. It's recommended to avoid water deeper than half the wheel hub diameter and to dry the undercarriage before charging after water exposure. Understanding these details makes me drive more cautiously to prevent accidents.