What are the effects of an electric vehicle driving through water?
2 Answers
The effects of an electric vehicle driving through water are as follows: 1. Effect one: Residual water after the vehicle drives through water can prevent the brake discs and brake pads from fully engaging, causing the vehicle to lose braking power. 2. Effect two: There are many wiring harnesses and circuits in the engine compartment. When the vehicle drives through water, the connectors of the wiring harnesses may get wet. If inspection reveals that the connectors are wet, they must be dried immediately to avoid causing a short circuit. 3. Effect three: The water accumulated on roads during rainy days is often dirty and contains various debris such as fallen leaves. When the vehicle drives through water, this debris can easily adhere to gaps in the chassis and other areas, leading to rust over time. 4. Effect four: If water enters the cabin, do not forget to remove and dry accessories such as floor mats to prevent odors or mold from developing inside the vehicle over time.
The biggest concern with electric vehicles driving through water is the safety risk. High-voltage battery packs can short-circuit when exposed to water, potentially causing electric shocks or fires due to instantaneous discharge. I witnessed a real-life case where a friend drove through deep water, and the EV suddenly lost power and stalled in the middle of the road—extremely dangerous. Even if water only reaches half the tire height, residual moisture can damage insulation layers. After water exposure, avoid immediately restarting the engine; instead, park on higher ground and call a tow truck to a professional repair facility. Lingering water can also corrode metal components, leading to higher repair costs over time. Safety must always come first—prevention is better than cure. Develop good habits by avoiding flooded areas when driving.
