Hurricane Milton: owners of electric cars had to double their care to avoid fires (Michael Fousert / Unsplash)[/caption>
Owners of electric cars residing in areas affected by Hurricane Milton had to take special precautions, as exposure to saltwater can cause fires in vehicles.
While such occurrences are rare, they have been recorded after storms like Hurricane Helene, which resulted in floods damaging cars and properties.
To ensure safety, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised drivers to park their vehicles in elevated areas. Tesla also recommended avoiding cars from being submerged and suggested towing them away from flammable structures.
After a storm, it is vital not to drive or charge vehicles that have been submerged, as this can damage batteries and increase the risk of fire.
Data on fires in electric vehicles after floods are limited, but during Hurricane Ian, about 5,000 cars were impacted, resulting in 36 fires, often associated with saltwater.
Experts emphasize the need to inspect submerged vehicles, as salt can persist and increase the risk of future fires.
Source: Olhar Digital | Photo: Unsplash | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
