Worried about flood water damaging your electric car? Relax!

Posted on: Jul 26, 2021 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Worried about flood water damaging your electric car? Relax!

Water and electricity are often at odds with each other. Which is why, from a very young age, we are taught to keep these things separate. Therefore, it is only natural if you have reservations about driving your electric car in a flood-like situation. However, this blog will explain why you don’t need to worry. But first, it is important to understand how traditional fossil fuel vehicles deal with floods. Then we will see how electric vehicles are different.

Fossil fuel cars in floodwater

Cars that run on diesel and petrol have an air intake pipe at the bottom through which water can enter the engine. And engine and water do not get along. Water can potentially destroy your engine, rendering your vehicle a total loss.

Then there’s the transmission, with a vent through which water can enter, causing the transmission to seize.

And finally, the engine contains fluids and oils such as various coolants and engine oil, where water can enter in a flood-like situation and harm several components of the car.

An internal combustion engine is the Achilles’ heel of the vehicle when it comes to water damage, simply because of the various intakes and valves that are needed for it to operate.

So, how are electric cars different from traditional vehicles?

Electric cars do not have an engine that requires cooling or air, or any external influence. So, it immediately reduces the car’s level of risk in case of a flood. However, it does have an electric drivetrain, which is the electric motor, the battery pack, the DC-AC converter, among other things. It has fewer moving components and fewer parts overall compared to a traditional car.

Are electric cars safer in flood water?

Since electric cars are harbingers of new technology, and manufacturers understand that they need to win the customer’s confidence, these vehicles go through rigorous testing and follow several safety protocols.

Most modern electric vehicles have resorted to putting the battery and other electrical components in the bottom section, one that is most likely to be exposed to flooding. However, the components are well-sealed, insulated, and are watertight, to ensure there’s no seepage of water. Electrocution, therefore, is not a risk, when you take your EV through flooded areas.

Electric cars undergo high pressure, deep water testing in extreme conditions to ensure comprehensive plugging of any weak spots. The founder of Tesla, Elon Musk, recently showcased how a Model S could float well enough and could turn into a boat for short period of time, using the vehicle’s wheel rotation for thrust. While it’s not recommended to use your EV as a boat, it’s certainly a testament to its safety.

What should you look out for?

As a completely electrical system, electric cars come with inherent safety protocols that can prevent the discharge of high voltage current in case of a breach in the safety mechanisms.

But sustained, heavy flooding may still cause water to enter the battery components, which can be dangerous as lithium (in the batteries) reacts aggressively with water, producing highly flammable hydrogen. There is an explosion risk, but such conditions are rare, and requires a deliberate negligence to make it happen.

Deep, saltwater is damaging to any car though, as it is corrosive in nature. In case of electric cars, it can seep into the electrical components and destroy the same.

Get insurance for your electric car

Insurance for vehicles, both traditional and electric, generally cover flood-like situations. However, there are certain caveats to that coverage, mentioned specifically in the policy documents. So, before you buy a car insurance policy for your electric vehicle, it’s best to understand the exclusions beforehand so you don’t, for example, turn on the engine when your car is submerged, thereby voiding your claim.

Conclusion

Electric cars are generally safer than conventional cars when dealing with flood-like situations due to their insulated nature and fewer moving parts. When insuring your vehicle with electric car insurance, understanding the nuances between third party insurance and comprehensive insurance is crucial, especially in scenarios like flood damage. With the right car insurance, you can stay financially covered against any damage due to floods. However, you must still be careful and avoid going through floodwaters unless it is essential.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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