Will New Energy Vehicles Get Flooded?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles have strong water-wading capabilities. Without any protection, each battery in the vehicle inherently possesses waterproofing capabilities. However, excessive water depth can lead to damage to other components of the vehicle. Although electric vehicles lack the intake and exhaust components of fuel-powered vehicles, there are vent holes on the reducer, which serve to balance internal and external pressure. The reducer is typically installed on the axle between the chassis and the tires, so when the water depth is too high, water can enter the vent holes and damage the reducer. All new energy vehicles undergo waterproofing treatment before leaving the factory, so there is no need to worry about electric leakage. The battery packs of electric vehicles are installed beneath the chassis, and the batteries vary by brand. Tests have shown that some vehicles can operate in water for an hour, while others may malfunction within half an hour. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid wading through water for more than half an hour in special circumstances. As long as the vehicle does not wade through water for more than half an hour and the water depth does not exceed 30 centimeters, there will be no risk of electric shock. Otherwise, water ingress into the vehicle may cause damage to other components, resulting in unusual odors.
The risk of new energy vehicles being flooded does exist, but as a tech enthusiast, I understand the protective measures in modern designs. The battery and motor have IP67 or IP68 waterproof ratings, meaning they can withstand short-term immersion in shallow water without leakage—for example, wading depths can exceed 300 mm. Many electric vehicles, like Teslas, can safely navigate through urban flooded sections, outperforming traditional internal combustion engines that are prone to stalling. However, if floodwaters completely submerge the vehicle, water infiltration may cause battery short circuits or even fire and explosion. I recommend owners check their vehicle's wading specifications in the manual and avoid driving through deep water during the rainy season. Regularly inspect the body seals to prevent aging, and choose elevated parking spots to reduce risks.
As a parent, I am particularly vigilant about the issue of water submersion in new energy vehicles, as my child's safety is the top priority. A submerged battery system can short-circuit instantly and cause a fire, which is terrifying. I teach my children to keep a life-saving hammer in the car and to quickly open the windows to escape in case of flooding. In daily use, I avoid low-lying parking lots and check the weather forecast app every day during the rainy season. Although electric vehicles have waterproof designs like IP ratings, they should never be relied upon; I stop driving immediately upon flood warnings. I recommend consulting the wading depth when choosing a car and opting for comprehensive insurance to cover the high costs of water damage repairs. Developing safe habits ensures worry-free family travel.
