How deep can electric vehicles wade through water?
3 Answers
Electric vehicles can wade through water no deeper than 40CM. Here are specific details about electric vehicle waterproofing: 1. Waterproof performance: Key components of new energy electric vehicles such as the motor, controller, and battery are all waterproofed and well-protected, safely enclosed in sealed devices. Therefore, they are generally unaffected by rain. 2. Precautions: Do not leave new energy electric vehicles in open-air environments during rainy days. If the vehicle gets slightly wet, simply ventilate and dry it. However, do not charge the vehicle immediately after it gets wet from rain. Always place the vehicle in a ventilated area to dry before charging to avoid short circuits that could lead to spontaneous combustion.
I recently researched the issue of electric vehicles driving through water and found that it mainly depends on the battery pack's sealing level. Most mainstream EVs have batteries that meet the IP67 standard, meaning they can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without leakage. However, don't take risks when actually driving - be cautious if water exceeds half the wheel height. When I drove my Tesla through deep water, maintaining a steady speed was crucial, keeping it below 10 km/h. If you notice anything abnormal after water exposure, like warning lights on the dashboard, immediately power off and call a tow truck. Remember that underbody impacts are most dangerous - rocks could damage the battery's sealing layer, so it's best to avoid water of unknown depth.
As a long-term electric vehicle owner, the safest approach is to refer to the vehicle manual. My BYD Han clearly states a maximum wading depth of 30 cm, approximately one-third of the wheel height. When encountering waterlogged roads, I always step out to measure the water depth with a branch while observing how preceding vehicles pass through. The advantage of EVs in water lies in the absence of an intake pipe, but the battery pack is usually positioned at the lowest point of the chassis. Last week during rain, I suddenly encountered a deep water zone and immediately activated crawl mode to pass through at a steady speed. Afterwards, I specifically checked the charging port for any water accumulation. I recommend keeping an emergency hammer in the car – if the vehicle fails during water crossing, it can be used to break the window for escape.
