A recently reported incident involving a Tesla electric vehicle (EV) highlights the risks associated with flooding and electric vehicles, particularly following natural disasters. The incident occurred in Florida, where surveillance footage from Pinellas County captured the moment a parked Tesla spontaneously ignited in a garage that had been flooded with saltwater due to Hurricane Helene. The dramatic video shows flames erupting beneath the vehicle and intensifying rapidly, ultimately engulfing the car in mere minutes amid thick smoke in the confined garage space. This alarming event has prompted officials to issue safety warnings aimed at EV owners in areas affected by severe weather events, drawing attention to the potential hazards related to water damage, especially from saltwater.
The warnings issued by county officials underscore the substantial risks that flooded electric vehicles pose. In a Facebook post, the Pinellas County Government cautioned residents that electric vehicles exposed to saltwater could ignite due to compromised batteries. The warnings came in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation across Florida and other southeastern states, where flooding was prevalent. The officials urged those who had evacuated and left electric vehicles in vulnerable positions to inform authorities if they could not return to manage the situations themselves. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of fires posed by submerged electric vehicles.
Moreover, county authorities have outlined specific precautions for EV owners in the context of potential flooding. They strongly advised against charging, driving, or storing electric vehicles or e-bikes indoors following exposure to saltwater flooding. To lessen the risk of fire hazards, the county recommended relocating any impacted vehicles at least 50 feet away from flammable objects and having them towed to a dealership for comprehensive safety checks. These recommendations emphasize the importance of proactive measures in addressing the fire risks associated with compromised electric vehicle batteries resulting from flood exposure.
The discussion surrounding the dangers of water-damaged electric vehicle batteries is not a new concern for emergency responders in Florida. State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has previously expressed urgent concerns regarding the risks posed by saltwater exposure to lithium batteries in electric vehicles. In a letter addressed to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Patronis underscored the need for immediate guidance on handling fires initiated by compromised electric vehicles. His correspondence serves to highlight the unique challenges posed to firefighting efforts, particularly in the context of severe flooding experienced during hurricanes.
In addition to his letter to the NHTSA, Patronis documented his firsthand experiences while assessing response efforts related to Hurricane Ian. He observed electric vehicles that continuously reignited despite firefighters attempting to extinguish the flames with significant amounts of water. This situation underscored the urgency of the risks posed by waterlogged electric vehicles and the necessity for new firefighting strategies to deal effectively with this novel challenge—one that firefighters have not previously encountered on such a scale.
The incident involving the Tesla caught fire amid flooding from Hurricane Helene serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by electric vehicles in flood-prone areas. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of storms, the associated risks for electric vehicles must be addressed. EV owners in storm-affected regions are urged to take appropriate precautions seriously. Proper safety recommendations and guidelines from local authorities and fire safety officials will be vital in preventing future tragedies associated with electric vehicles—reinforcing the need for continuous public education surrounding the safe handling and storage of EVs in the context of natural disasters.