How Deep Water Can New Energy Vehicles Pass Through?
3 Answers
Vehicles can pass through water areas with a depth of 70cm at low speed. The following is the relevant introduction about new energy vehicles wading through water: 1. Design: Nowadays, pure electric vehicles are generally designed with a closed front face, unlike traditional fuel vehicles that have various designs. The main reason is that new energy vehicles are driven by electricity and do not require an air intake to assist combustion like fuel vehicles. Additionally, exhaust holes are generally not designed, which effectively avoids the problem of water ingress in new energy vehicles. 2. Waterproof standard: Currently, the waterproof standard of new energy vehicles on the market has reached IP67 level. Under normal circumstances, electric vehicles that meet this standard can park on roads with one meter of accumulated water for up to half an hour without water ingress. The IP67 level is the highest civilian level available now, commonly used in devices like mobile phones and computers, indicating that under normal circumstances, the shell can be briefly submerged in one meter of water without causing harmful effects.
As a frequent driver of electric vehicles, I find water wading issues quite common. The design of new energy vehicles makes them perform well in waterproofing. For instance, the electric motor is fully sealed and not afraid of water immersion, and the battery pack is positioned reasonably. Generally, manufacturers claim a wading depth of around 30 centimeters, approximately half the height of the tires. On rainy days, I've driven through shallow puddles with the car remaining stable and not shaking at all. This is much better than my previous experience with fuel-powered cars, as there's no exhaust pipe to get flooded. But don't get me wrong—deep water is no joke. When the water depth exceeds 50 centimeters, water pressure can compromise the seals, and a short-circuited battery could cost tens of thousands to repair. I once saw a friend take the risk of wading through deep water, only for the car to flood and become a total loss—a huge financial hit. For safety, it's best to avoid waterlogged areas when driving an electric vehicle. Slow down during heavy rain and take detours for peace of mind. After wading through water, check the chassis and electrical circuits to prevent long-term damage. Protecting your car ensures it lasts longer.
From a technical perspective, the water wading capability of new energy vehicles primarily depends on their sealing grade, such as the IP67 standard, which ensures that both the battery and motor can withstand short-term water immersion. A typical electric vehicle can traverse shallow water depths of 30 to 40 centimeters, roughly equivalent to the center of a wheel. The motor's sealed design makes it resistant to water, but other components like the cooling system or sensors are more prone to water damage. I recommend not exceeding this depth while driving, as deeper water increases hydrostatic pressure, raising the risk of seal failure. Once the battery gets wet, it can corrode the circuitry, leading to costly and complicated repairs. It's safer to dry and inspect the vehicle immediately after wading through water, unlike taking risks as with fuel-powered cars. The advantage of electric vehicles is that they won't stall in shallow water, but in daily driving, choosing flat roads over deep water areas is far wiser.
