Will an Electric Car Stall When Wading Through Water?
3 Answers
It can stall. Generally, deep water wading primarily tests the sealing of car doors and the passenger compartment. Additionally, electric vehicles have specified wading depths, and exceeding them is not recommended. Below are the reasons: Poor Sealing Solutions: The sealing of the power output shaft. If the water level exceeds the power output shaft, water can quickly enter the transmission and then the motor. Short Circuit: Power sources, cables, and inverters. If the water level is too high, these components are prone to short circuits because water can enter through any gaps. Poor Contact: The electrical control system and sensor lights in cars typically use traditional connectors. After being submerged in water, they may experience poor contact and short circuit issues.
Driving an electric car eliminates the worry of stalling in water since there's no engine to begin with. However, I must remind you that while EV battery packs are IP67 waterproof, never force your way through if floodwater exceeds the wheel hub center point during heavy rain. Last typhoon season, I saw several waterlogged EVs – their electronic systems automatically cut power when short-circuited, but the subsequent repair costs could buy half a new car. My advice: remember to turn off auto start-stop in rainy weather, and immediately unlock doors if entering deep water – electric windows may fail to open after submersion.
As a decade-long electric vehicle repair technician, I've lost count of the water-damaged EVs I've disassembled. Water-induced stalling only occurs in fuel-powered vehicles, while the core risk for EVs is short circuits in high-voltage systems when exposed to water. Although body sealing is well-designed, areas like charging ports and air conditioning compressors remain vulnerable to water infiltration. Key indicator: check water level against side mirrors - exceeding door handle height means danger. Never attempt restarting if submerged, or you'll face battery write-off with insurance denial. Post-rain inspections should include checking undercarriage for impacts - immediately address any cracks in battery pack protective plates.
