Can a New Energy Vehicle Still Be Driven After Being Flooded?
4 Answers
After a new energy vehicle is flooded, it can continue to be driven once repaired and certified safe by professionals. Below is an introduction to the relevant information about new energy vehicles after being flooded: Reasons why a new energy vehicle can still be driven after being flooded: The protection level of the power battery pack in a pure electric vehicle can reach the IP67 standard, meaning it can withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for about half an hour without issues. Additionally, because the high voltage in pure electric vehicles already poses certain risks, automakers have specific waterproofing requirements for new energy vehicles during production. Some brands even achieve an IP68 protection level. Therefore, under this anti-submersion design, pure electric vehicles still have a certain degree of safety assurance. Maintenance of the chassis after a new energy vehicle is flooded: Most of the motors in new energy vehicles are located on the chassis, and the condition of the chassis affects the overall operation of the vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the chassis of a new energy vehicle to prevent aging of the bottom wiring or damage to the protective layer, which could lead to major malfunctions. Moreover, when driving in rainy weather, be cautious on slippery or uneven roads to avoid scraping the bottom, which could damage the car battery and cause more significant issues. Solutions for encountering flooding situations: In such cases, do not attempt to restart the vehicle. If submerged in rainwater, do not panic, as all types of new energy vehicles have an emergency power-off function. Pressing the maintenance button will automatically cut off the power, thereby reducing damage to critical components such as the motor and battery. Never attempt to restart the vehicle.
As someone who has long been concerned about automotive safety, I strongly believe that new energy vehicles should never be driven after being submerged in water. Once the high-voltage battery gets flooded, the risk of short circuits is extremely high, potentially causing instant fires or explosions—making them even more dangerous than traditional fuel-powered cars. I've seen numerous cases where owners attempted to restart their vehicles after floods, only to result in motor burnout or complete failure of control modules. What's worse, prolonged water exposure corrodes circuits, leading to staggering repair costs. If your car gets submerged, immediately shut off all power sources and absolutely do not attempt to move it. Call a tow truck to transport it to a professional service center for inspection of battery seals and electrical systems. Safety first—don't gamble with your life. Remember to contact your insurance company and provide on-site photos as evidence, as they may assist with subsequent procedures.
I usually enjoy tinkering with cars. If a new energy vehicle gets flooded, remember not to drive it immediately. Water seeping into the battery compartment or control unit area can easily cause short circuits or corrosion. You should first disconnect the main power supply if possible; if you lack professional knowledge, never attempt to dismantle or repair it yourself, as high-voltage components are extremely dangerous. Find a reliable repair shop where they can use a multimeter to check for leakage and replace damaged parts if necessary. If the battery is flooded, it might need a full replacement—expensive, but better than causing an accident. When towing, ensure no secondary damage occurs. For prevention, parking on higher ground or in flood-resistant areas is advisable.
My car was half-submerged in a heavy rainstorm last year, and the electronic systems of new energy vehicles are really fragile. I tried to start it, but it made strange noises and stopped working. After repairs, the mechanic told me that water had caused a short circuit in the controller, and the repair cost nearly ten thousand yuan. At the time, my complacency almost led to disaster, as residual moisture inside increases the risk of friction after flooding. Don’t follow my example of risking driving—having it towed away for inspection immediately is the best course of action. Always pay attention to garage drainage as a precaution.
