How Deep Can Electric Vehicles Wade in Water?
2 Answers
Currently, there is no specific and clear standard for the wading depth of electric vehicles. However, according to the GB30381-2020 "Safety Requirements for Power Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles" regulation on the waterproof performance test of power batteries, new energy vehicles can be almost entirely submerged in water, and the battery will not have any issues within 30 minutes. The power battery is not the limiting factor for the wading depth of electric vehicles; the wading depth mainly depends on the chassis height. Generally, for sedans, a water depth of 150mm just submerges the chassis, while for SUVs, 300mm also just submerges the chassis. Additional Information: 1. Precautions: Since new energy vehicles do not have an exhaust system, it can be considered that submerging up to the chassis is the maximum wading depth. Therefore, new energy vehicles can drive in heavy rain, and their wading capability is stronger than that of traditional fuel vehicles. Water reaching the chassis is already the limit; when the water level rises above the chassis to the lower gaps of the doors, water will enter the cabin. 2. Avoid Prolonged Immersion: According to current standards, new energy vehicles can only ensure safety during brief wading drives. Prolonged immersion in water carries the risk of spontaneous combustion. For new energy vehicles, replacing a battery costs at least 50,000 to 60,000 yuan, and when combined with cleaning and repair costs for other components, the overall repair cost of the vehicle can be very high.
I often encounter flooded roads when driving my electric vehicle, and its wading capability is much better than that of gasoline cars, mainly because the battery and motor have high sealing standards, with many models achieving an IP67 protection rating. This means they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for half an hour without water ingress, and the design avoids the risk of engine air intake. Typical wading depths range from 300 to 500 millimeters. For example, my Model 3 manual states it can handle up to 500 mm, which is about the height of the wheel hubs—no problem. However, be mindful of the depth limit; don’t exceed it too much, as high water pressure could compromise the seals and cause a short circuit. Also, drive slowly when wading to avoid creating big splashes, as water could erode electrical connections. After wading, it’s best to check the undercarriage and battery connectors to ensure they’re dry and undamaged. Regular maintenance should also include checking the waterproofing, especially during the rainy season. Overall, electric vehicles are quite reliable in water, but don’t treat them like boats—safety first!
