How is the water wading capability of electric vehicles?
2 Answers
Electric vehicles perform better than fuel-powered cars in terms of water wading capability because their motors operate in a sealed environment, eliminating concerns about water ingress. Extended content: Below are the reasons for the strong water wading capability of electric vehicles: 1. Battery pack waterproofing: Although most EV battery packs are designed in the chassis, mainstream first-tier EV models feature battery pack casings with IP67-rated waterproofing, and the waterproofing of wiring harnesses undergoes rigorous testing. 2. Motor and electronic control waterproofing: The superior water wading capability of electric vehicles is also due to the high-level waterproof protection of the motor and electronic control systems. However, issues can still arise during water wading, with the biggest vulnerability being the vehicle's low-voltage system. This part mainly involves in-car electronic systems, such as door opening, window operation, audio systems, central control screens, and dashcams, as these devices are not expected to be submerged in water and thus do not require waterproofing.
As someone who frequently drives electric vehicles around, I have to say their water-wading capability is much better than traditional gasoline cars! Mainly because the battery pack is tightly sealed, with no exposed air intake pipes, so when driving through small puddles or flooded sections, the car basically won't stall. My own car has an IP67 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in one meter of water for half an hour without issues, and generally, wading up to 30 cm deep is safe. However, I must remind you not to deliberately drive into deep water, especially when the water depth exceeds half the tire height, as it can be dangerous with high-voltage lines potentially short-circuiting or water ingress. After wading, it's best to check the underside of the car to prevent water accumulation that could affect the circuits. Overall, electric vehicles are more reliable in rainy conditions, reducing the risk of malfunctions. Like me, who often drives on rural roads, I've had several problem-free experiences, but safety first—don't take risks with deep water.
