State officials have reported that at least six home fires were caused by electric vehicle (EV) batteries experiencing catastrophic ‘thermal runaway’ in Florida. Chief financial officer and fire marshal Jimmy Patronis stated that the fires occurred after floodwaters from Hurricane Helene submerged the EV batteries and triggered ignition. A total of 16 fires from EVs have been observed in the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas County. Governor Ron DeSantis had warned EV owners to move their vehicles to higher ground before the hurricane hit to prevent short-circuiting of the batteries due to contact with saltwater.
The issue of thermal runaway in EV batteries seems to be linked specifically to saltwater exposure, as similar incidents have not been observed in freshwater flooding situations. During Hurricane Ian in 2022, storm surge in Florida compromised around 5,000 EV batteries, leading to the ignition of 36 of them. The National Transportation Safety Board highlighted the danger of saltwater causing a short circuit between the battery terminals, resulting in fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed that incidents of EV fires caused by saltwater were first documented during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. They advised that damaged vehicles with lithium-ion batteries should not be kept near any structures or combustibles. EV owners affected by flooding were urged to contact their insurance companies and tow their vehicles to a safe distance to prevent further risks of thermal runaway.
Tesla, a prominent EV manufacturer, provided guidance for owners facing flooding situations, emphasizing the importance of safety inspections and immediate action if signs of fire or overheating are detected. They recommended moving EVs to higher ground before potential submersion events and contacting first responders in case of emergencies. It is crucial for EV owners to prioritize safety measures to avoid hazardous situations related to battery fires caused by flooding events. please rewrite the following sentence:
“The cat quickly ran across the street.”
“The feline swiftly dashed across the road.”
Source link
