A Rivian R1T, an electric pickup, survived flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, which devastated the southeastern United States, including North Carolina.
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A video posted by Joshua Vincent Sauer shows the vehicle completely submerged in mud, with the owner reporting that he parked it near the Swannanoa River before the flood. The flooding made several areas impassable, with interruptions to electricity and water services.
Surprisingly, the R1T still functioned after the flood, while gasoline vehicles would likely have been irreparable due to saltwater infiltration in the engine. Upon entering the car, the owner found that the vehicle started normally, and since then, it has not experienced any issues after being quickly recharged.
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Rivian stated that its batteries are designed to withstand water intrusion and that they monitor potential leaks through electrical insulation systems. These features are essential, as they automatically cut power upon detecting water, preventing further damage.
Given the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the R1T’s performance after the flooding shows that electric vehicles can be effective in extreme conditions, although caution is advised when driving any vehicle that has been affected by flooding.
Source: InsideEVs | Photos and video: Facebook – Joshua Vincent Sauer | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team