Can Electric Vehicles Drive Through Water?
2 Answers
Electric vehicles cannot drive through water because they are powered by electric motors, and their undercarriage contains batteries. Driving through water can damage both the batteries and the motor. More details are as follows: 1. Electric vehicles are not recommended to drive through water: Doing so may damage some of the vehicle's electronic systems. 2. Electric vehicles do not have internal combustion engines: Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles rely on electric motors for propulsion. Therefore, in daily use, if there is a waterlogged section ahead, the driver should assess whether it is safe to proceed based on the vehicle's condition. If unsure, it is best not to proceed recklessly.
I've driven for several years and encountered similar situations. Once during a heavy rainstorm, my friend drove an electric vehicle through a flooded section where the water reached the middle of the tires, and the car was completely fine. This is because electric vehicles don't have an engine, so there's no worry about water stalling it. Key components like the battery pack use IP67 waterproof design, capable of withstanding short-term immersion in water up to one meter deep. However, the wading depth varies for each vehicle, generally not exceeding half a meter for safety. Drive slowly; going too fast can create waves, increasing the risk. After wading, check the chassis for any mud or water residue to prevent long-term corrosion. Remember not to force through deep water—if the seals fail, a battery short circuit could cause serious trouble. This is much less hassle than traditional gasoline cars.
