Electric cars are becoming more affordable, and all those new users are full of new questions. We always thought electricity and water should never be mixed, but what about electric cars?
Can an electric car get wet? Can you drive it in the rain? Yes, and yes. Traditional ICE cars also have batteries and electric installations, and they are secured. The same thing is with electric and hybrid cars. All the batteries and electric components are tightly sealed and water-resistant.
But wait, there is more. You will learn all about problems when driving through solid bodies of water. Also, you will learn several practical advice about using an EV in the rain and when facing water barriers.
Traditional Car and Water
Conventional cars and EVs share the same rules when driving through water. These rules you should follow for the sake of your safety and to keep your car working properly.
If you are closing into a large mass of standing water, try to avoid it. If that means waiting for other cars to pass by, wait. If the standing water is higher than 4 inches, it would be wiser to avoid it.
When approaching standing water, it is also recommended to slow down to a walking speed. There are several reasons for that. They might be pedestrians on the sidewalk, so it would be good to avoid soaking them. Also, wheels may lose their grip on the road if there is too much water. That is called aquaplaning, and it can be dangerous.
Another thing to consider when driving through water is the engine’s air intake. In some models, it is very low. Avoiding or driving slowly through water will save you from engine problems.
What Are The Common Electrical Problems After Driving Through Water?
If the car won’t start, that can point out the problem with the ignition. When you turn the ignition key, and you don’t hear anything, that means that there is a short circuit in the fuse box. If the engine tries to crank it, then you should check the engine.
Sometimes, excess water can get to the fuse box. That can be especially dangerous because it can fry your complete electronic system.
What Would Happen If Your Electric Car Gets Wet?
Most electric vehicles are fitted with all the needed safety systems for protecting electrical equipment. If your car gets wet, or even submerged in water, circuit breakers will trip. That would shut down the whole electronic system, and prevent any dangerous outcome.
So, even thinking about electrocuting yourself is ridiculous. Don’t worry about that. An electric vehicle has all the safety measures that will prevent that from happening.
What Happens If Your Electric Car Gets Submerged in Water?
All electric cars are completely safe in case of submerging in water. Battery cells and the surrounding electrical components are in a sealed metal shell. They are isolated from the rest of the chassis, and cannot electroshock people or water around the car.
There can be a problem if the car is found in salty water. Salty water may trigger a battery short circuit. A short circuit may cause a battery to catch on fire.
Check Out What Happens When You Drown an Electric Car?:
Are Electric Cars Safe To Drive In The Rain?
Electric cars are designed to withstand heavy rain. Driving them in the rain is perfectly safe because all installations are electrically isolated. This answer can also cover the question of a car wash. Washing an EV is completely safe, normal, and recommended.
Can You Charge Your Car In The Rain?
You can charge your electric car in any weather, including rain. The charging equipment is water resistant, so you don’t need to ponder about electrocuting yourself. You are completely safe from water intrusion from any rain. Charge away.
Can A Car Battery Get Wet?
The battery is protected by a water-resistant casing, but it still can get wet. Don’t worry, because you can’t get electrocuted by a moist battery. The casing is there to protect the lead-acid interior of the battery.
Of course, we wouldn’t recommend pouring water over batteries. The worst thing that can happen from moisture forming on the battery is that the connectors can rust off from water. That can lead to connection issues. In that case, you can try to remove rust, or simply buy a new battery.
FAQs
Can a car battery shock you?
No, it can’t. A battery has enough electrical power to kill a person. But, thankfully, it doesn’t have enough electrical power to force electrons through the body. The worst thing that can happen is that you feel a tingle in your fingers. And that is only in case you touch both terminals of the battery with wet hands.
Also, electric car batteries are located on the floor of the car. But you don’t need to worry. All electric systems are completely safe. Battery packs and all their elements are tightly sealed and protected from rain and water intrusion.
Is it safe to drive through puddles?
It all depends on how deep the puddles are. If it is a large puddle, dipper than 6 inches, you should be careful. Always keep an eye on deep puddles, because you cannot be sure how deep they are. Also, always slow down when going through the water of wading depth, to be sure to avoid any problems with electrical installations or air intake.
Can a Tesla be charged in the rain?
Yes, it is completely safe to charge Tesla in the rain. The supercharger has all the safety features that allow charging in all weather conditions. The only thing you should pay attention to is charging with a Gen2 charger. This charger comes with the car, and it is suitable for household use. This means that it is not waterproof.
Can Tesla drive through water?
Driving Tesla, like any other car, through water is not recommended. Cars can get through around 6 inches of water without a problem. Everything above, you should be careful.
Final Considerations
Learning through life is one of the surest ways to be on top of things. Electric vehicles are still a new trend we are all getting used to. Knowing how they work and what they can withstand is still something that we need to learn. Now that you know that driving and charging electric vehicles in the rain is completely safe, we hope you are relaxed.
If you like reading tips and tricks about electric cars, stay with us; we have much more in store!
