Florida’s fire marshal Jimmy Patronis has issued a stark warning about the potential hazards of electric vehicles and other lithium-ion battery-powered devices as Hurricane Milton approaches. The Category 5 storm, expected to make landfall on Florida’s central west coast, could create dangerous conditions for EVs exposed to storm surge, reports CBS News.

The EV Fire Risk

Patronis cautioned that storm surges could transform EVs and other products with lithium-ion batteries into “ticking time bombs.” This warning stems from past incidents where floodwaters caused electric vehicles to catch fire. Florida officials have confirmed 48 lithium-ion battery fires related to Hurricane Helene’s storm surge, with 11 involving EVs.

“We’ve seen 48 lithium-ion battery fires from Helene, and 11 of those were EVs,” Patronis stated. “That’s a serious risk we can’t ignore.”

Precautions for EV Owners

To mitigate risks, EV owners are advised to:

Relocate vehicles to higher ground
Move flooded EVs away from homes post-storm
Unplug and avoid charging flooded vehicles
Keep windows and doors open to vent gases
Follow manufacturer recommendations

Patronis emphasized the importance of these precautions, saying, “You can worry about fixing your home, instead of rebuilding it due to fire.”

The Science Behind the Risk

Lithium-ion battery packs in EVs contain flammable liquid electrolyte and about 1,000 times more cells than smaller devices like e-bikes. This higher energy density increases the risk of failure when exposed to saltwater.

A firefighter in Palm Harbor, Florida, highlighted the specific risk for Tesla owners: “Their rechargeable car batteries could combust if exposed to saltwater.”

Broader Implications

It’s not just EVs at risk. Other consumer products with lithium-ion batteries, including scooters, hoverboards, and golf cars, also pose potential fire hazards in flood conditions.

EVXL’s Take

The Hurricane Milton situation underscores the need for robust emergency preparedness in the face of extreme weather events, especially as EV adoption continues to grow. While these risks are serious, they’re not insurmountable. As we’ve seen in our coverage of Tesla and other EV manufacturers, the industry is continuously working to improve battery safety and resilience.

This event serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing research and development in EV battery technology. It’s crucial that as we transition to cleaner transportation, we also ensure these vehicles can withstand various environmental challenges.

What are your thoughts on the safety measures for EVs during natural disasters? Share your opinions in the comments below.