ENGINE CARNAGE
Saltwater is making electric cars BLOW UP as Hurricane Helene wreaks havoc and drivers issued harsh warning
What to do if you're caught in a flood
EV DRIVERS have been warned of potential fire hazards as reports surfaced of cars blowing due to flooding during Hurricane Helene.
Motorists are being urged to either move their cars urgently or report them to authorities if it's not safe to do so.
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The powerful hurricane made landfall in the south-eastern US late last week, with the Carolinas bearing the brunt of the storms.
At last count, 95 people were confirmed to have died across six states stretching from southern Florida up to Virginia.
The city of Asheville in North Carolina has also been cut off as rising floodwaters made roads impassible and knocked out electricity and phone networks.
Amid the chaos, reports have emerged that the saltwater flooding has caused fires and even explosions in electric cars.
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Most modern EVs use lithium-ion batteries thanks to their energy efficiency and relatively compact size.
However, lithium is highly reactive with water and, while perfectly safe in normal conditions, can have explosive consequences if exposed to it.
According to the National Highways and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the issue was first detected during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Local officials are asking EV owners to move their cars to higher ground and out of the reach of flooding where possible.
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However, drivers should bear in mind that it is never safe to drive through flood water, even in an internal combustion car.
If you are unable to safely move your vehicle, you should report it to the local authority as soon as possible.
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The warning applies to full-size EVs as well as smaller vehicles like golf buggies if they rely on battery power.
Thankfully, the storm is expected to wane throughout the day and dissipate by tomorrow.
But the cost has still been high with an estimated 4.6 million households hit by power cuts and up to £74billion ($110billion) of damage caused.
President Biden has declared states of disaster in Florida and North Carolina, with the latter seeing its highest hurricane death toll in 35 years.
What should you do if you're caught in a flood?
By Jacob Jaffa, Motors Reporter
If you fear that your area is about to be flooded, government advice is to turn off your gas and electricity where safe to do so and move to higher ground.
You should also consult your local council's advice and access a community flood plan if you have one.
Advice is also available online from the National Flood Forum and British Red Cross, or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
During a flood, try and stay at the highest point possible and keep exits clear in case you need to escape rising water.
Do not touch any electrical sockets or devices when standing in water.
It is also strongly advised that you do not attempt to use flooded roads as you could be left stranded - remember the water may be deeper than it looks.
If your home is flooded you can apply to your local council for temporary accommodation until it becomes habitable again.
Emergency funding has also been sent to Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The US National Weather Service dubbed Helene, the "worst event" in its 154-year history.
A spokesperson said: "We are devastated by the horrific flooding and widespread wind damage that was caused by Hurricane Helene across our forecast area."
Tom Barth of the National Transportation Safety Board, said: "If the salt water is able to bridge the gap between the positive and negative terminals of the battery, then it can cause a short circuit.
"Where it begins to be a problem is if you have the batteries submerged in standing water.
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"That’s where it starts to overcome the moisture seals in the battery."
However, he urged drivers not to panic if their car was caught in the floods, adding: "It’s not like every vehicle that gets flooded is therefore going to ignite and catch fire."
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