What is the wading depth of new energy vehicles?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles have a wading depth of less than or equal to 30cm. New Energy Vehicles: New energy vehicles refer to automobiles that utilize unconventional vehicle fuels as power sources (or use conventional vehicle fuels with new types of onboard power devices), integrating advanced technologies in vehicle power control and driving systems. These vehicles feature advanced technical principles and incorporate new technologies and structures. New energy vehicles include pure electric vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen engine vehicles, etc. Power Sources: From the perspective of global new energy vehicle development, their power sources mainly include lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lead-acid batteries, and supercapacitors, with supercapacitors mostly appearing in the form of auxiliary power sources. The primary reason is that these battery technologies are not yet fully mature or have obvious drawbacks. Compared with traditional vehicles, there are significant gaps in terms of cost, power, and range, which are also important factors restricting the development of new energy vehicles.
When driving a new energy vehicle, I pay special attention to water wading issues. Generally, the wading depth should be around 200mm, and the lowest point of the chassis should not exceed half the height of the wheels. Every time I go out on rainy days, I check the manual first, as different models vary greatly—pure electric SUVs might have higher clearance, while small electric vehicles might be lower. If the water level exceeds the limit, water entering the battery pack could cause a short circuit or even a fire, which is very dangerous. I usually check the water level markers on the roadside; if the water exceeds the center of the tire, I take a detour. Also, I keep the speed low, preferably below 10km/h, to avoid water splashing. During regular maintenance, I check if the battery sealing strips are aging, and before the rainy season, it’s best to go to the shop to test the waterproofing to ensure it meets IP67 or higher standards. Safety first—don’t take risks by driving through flooded areas for convenience.
The water wading capability of new energy vehicles mainly depends on their protective design. Most mainstream models can meet IP67 or IP68 waterproof standards, theoretically allowing short-term immersion in 30cm deep water without issues. However, I rely more on practical experience when driving. Don't fully trust the advertised 300mm wading depth for new cars; instead, check the flatness of the chassis and the battery placement. Before crossing water puddles, measure the water depth to ensure it doesn't exceed the centerline of the wheel hub. Maintain a steady speed of 5-10km/h and avoid sudden braking to prevent water splashing into the motor compartment. If the water level exceeds expectations, stop immediately and cut off the power. Afterwards, inspect the chassis for sediment deposits to prevent corrosion. These techniques can significantly reduce risks, as repairs for water-related issues in electric vehicles can be very expensive.
