Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular and are now a common sight on UK roads. With each new car release, drivers are discovering more about how electric vehicles compare to petrol and diesel cars, and which fuel type is more favored.
As the UK faces an uncertain winter, characterized by storms and snow, you might wonder how electric cars would fare in the event of a flood or heavy rain. Some people fear that electric cars would react like smartphones dropped into water, simply shutting off.
However, according to Steven Edwards, the motoring editor of Motors.co.uk, this is far from the truth. The way people envision electric cars behaving in water is completely inaccurate.
Mr. Edwards stated, “As we transition from summer to winter, one question on drivers’ minds may be how well do electric vehicles perform in the rain?
“Some may conclude that there is an increased risk when driving an electric vehicle in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or potential floods. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
“In fact, due to the absence of exhaust or air intake systems in electric cars where water can enter, they are actually safer than combustion engine vehicles when driving through water.”
Mr. Edwards explained that this is because electric cars must undergo stringent and thorough tests before they are available for sale. He said, “EVs often undergo more rigorous tests, as they house numerous electric batteries. Some may argue that they are therefore safer than petrol or diesel cars when driving through water.”
Mr. Edwards continued, “Before leaving the factory, each electric vehicle must meet strict safety standards.
“When it comes to water, every vehicle must pass a soak test to ensure that even in heavy rain, the interior of the car remains dry.”
The batteries in electric cars are also tested extensively to ensure the driver’s safety.
Mr. Edwards added, “Different electric vehicle models have various battery designs. In some configurations, the batteries are positioned behind the rear seat and are insulated from water intrusion.
“In other models, the battery packs are enclosed in a sealed metal shell as a safety measure.
“EVs are designed with adequate wading depths to avoid water infiltration when driving through puddles.
“However, the specific wading depth varies depending on the make and model of the car. If water manages to enter the vehicle, built-in systems automatically shut down the power and isolate the battery packs. It’s important to remember that no car, including EVs, should be driven on a flooded road.”
Electric cars are not only capable of handling wet roads but also challenging terrains. Teams like Audi are utilizing electric technology to compete in events like the famous Dakar rally, which makes its return this January.
The electric technology used by Audi, combined with an onboard petrol generator in their RS Q e-tron, has allowed their prototype to conquer water and sand obstacles effortlessly.
The hope is that the knowledge gained from these electric cars will eventually be incorporated into road-worthy electric vehicles in the future.
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