So, you thought electric vehicles (EVs) were all rainbows and clean energy? Well, Mother Nature just threw a salty wrench into that narrative. As if downed power lines, leaking gas, and general mayhem weren’t enough during hurricanes, now we’ve got electric cars exploding like overcharged smartphones on steroids. Just ask the folks along the Gulf Coast, where flooded EVs have turned garages into impromptu bonfires.
Lithium-ion batteries: nature’s new firestarter.
After Hurricane Milton, Florida’s emergency crews had a field day – not only dodging debris but also racing to stop EVs from turning into spontaneous fireworks. Turns out, when salt water meets your eco-friendly car’s fancy lithium battery, it’s like tossing a match into gasoline.
Electric dreams, fiery nightmares.
Sure, EVs aren’t as likely to catch fire in everyday scenarios compared to their gas-guzzling cousins, but throw in a little saltwater, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said at a news conference, “Water and the ion batteries do not mix…they literally explode.”
According to an article from the Miami Herald, the state of Florida counted at least 65 lithium battery fires after Hurricane Helene, 14 from EVs. The rest were fires from scooters, golf carts, hoverboards and even a wheelchair.
EV advocates might want to update their pitch to “Save the environment, but maybe also invest in a fire extinguisher or two.” But THAT might not even save the day because lithium battery fires are hard to put out – both for individuals and for firefighters. And a battery fire can happen weeks after a car has been submerged in salt water.
Electric Cars: When “going green” means going up in flames.
As EV owners anxiously check their flooded vehicles for signs of life (or fire), the rest of us are left wondering: Is this really the future of transportation? Sure, these cars might be great for flyover country, but if you live anywhere near a coast, you might want to reconsider.
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