What is the wading depth standard for pure electric vehicles?
2 Answers
Pure electric vehicles have a wading depth standard of 15cm. Below is an introduction to the wading standards and local standards: Introduction to wading standards: The wading standards mainly include the national standard GB 18487.3, which primarily references ISO 6469.3. This standard is a comprehensive consideration by various countries. Beijing and Shanghai each have their own local standards. According to the promotion requirements, GB 18483.1 specifies a water depth of 10CM, which does not account for extreme conditions during consideration. Local standard requirements: According to the DB31T634-2012 standard, the simulated wading test involves driving in a 15cm deep water pool at a speed of 30±3 km/h for a total wading time of 10 minutes, and driving forward and backward in a 30cm deep water pool at a speed of ≥5 km/h for a total wading time of 10 minutes.
From my practical driving experience, the wading depth for pure electric vehicles is generally between 300 to 500 millimeters, depending on the model and design. For example, when driving my car in a city during heavy rain, water up to one-third of the wheel height is usually not a problem, but deeper water, say over 500mm, requires caution. Pure electric vehicles have battery chassis sealed to IP67 standards, capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, which is quite effective. However, wading is not diving; strong currents can damage electronic control units or axle components. I always check the manual or official website data, like certain Tesla models which are rated for 500mm. When encountering deep water, I make sure to drive slowly, avoiding speeds over 10km/h to prevent splashing and potential water ingress. Regular chassis cleaning is also crucial to prevent mud and sand from clogging and affecting heat dissipation, ensuring safe and worry-free driving.
