An EV Battery Issue Probably Not Anticipated

[Firestop]

I came across this article today that Ifound Interesting from an engineering perspective…how do you address this concern?

https://fortune.com/2022/10/15/elec...urricane-ian-saltwater-flooding-ev-batteries/

My guess it wasn’t anticipated to be a frequent, and unfortunate, event………

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[Blainestang]

The only actual evidence ever provided with any of these claims is that one, single, while Model X that was clearly NOT parked in a garage.

Let's see some evidence of it being a widespread issue, or even a minor issue.

My guess, it's blown WAY out of proportion so people can grandstand about EVs.

 

[Firestop]

The only actual evidence ever provided with any of these claims is that one, single, while Model X that was clearly NOT parked in a garage.

Let's see some evidence of it being a widespread issue, or even a minor issue.

My guess, it's blown WAY out of proportion so people can grandstand about EVs.

That was my initial thought when I saw it…it had a political agenda tone. That said, I know we have some smart people on this forum, along with some folks who were unfortunate to have experienced Ian.

As an retired firefighter, the article caught my eye and I was interested if the concern written about is warranted? BTW, I picked up on this “artical” via today’s NEMA SmartBrief daily emailed newsletter.

 

[sotek2345]

The only actual evidence ever provided with any of these claims is that one, single, while Model X that was clearly NOT parked in a garage.

Let's see some evidence of it being a widespread issue, or even a minor issue.

My guess, it's blown WAY out of proportion so people can grandstand about EVs.

I have similar thoughts. I haven't seen any numbers on this issue at all which tingles by BS detectors. That said, I am all for an engineering study of the concern and any design changes needed to better seal the batteries.

 

[Blainestang]

That was my initial thought when I saw it…it had a political agenda tone. That said, I know we have some smart people on this forum, along with some folks who were unfortunate to have experienced Ian.

As an retired firefighter, the article caught my eye and I was interested if the concern written about is warranted? BTW, I picked up on this “artical” via today’s NEMA SmartBrief daily emailed newsletter.

Yeah, I'd be interested in hearing more of the theory and some stories of it actually happening, but I'm skeptical of the scope/frequency of the problem based on the distinct lack of evidence and letters to the Department of Transportation as if there aren't, oh, about a zillion things more important than this, even just regarding Ian.

 

[jerock]

As a retired firefighter the EV fire issue is something I’m certainly interested in. To put it in perspective here is another issue.
https://www.firerescue1.com/vehicle...cles-at-texas-pumpkin-patch-Xntwy2Ohgl1WbVgN/

 

[metroshot]

Instead of flooded out situations, I'd worry more about serious collisions that would cause the batteries to catch fire by mere short-circuiting...

 

[ExCivilian]

As a retired firefighter the EV fire issue is something I’m certainly interested in. To put it in perspective here is another issue.
https://www.firerescue1.com/vehicle...cles-at-texas-pumpkin-patch-Xntwy2Ohgl1WbVgN/

This last one isn't related to EVs. The article states the fire was started by a cigarette and then doesn't detail how many of those vehicles were EVs but there's nothing linking it to EV risks and I imagine many, if not all, of those 73 vehicles were ICE.

While fires are a legitimate concern, the issue with hurricanes and submerging EVs contributing to salt bridging within battery packs and starting lithium fires is esoteric, to say the least. The obvious solution is to not leave EVs submerged in salt water...

 

[Maxx]

Is this dude saying I should ignore the fact that ICE is 61 times more likely to catch on fire than BEV in a non flood situation and worry about which one is more likely catch on fire when there is plenty of water around?

 

[jerock]

I think you missed the point of my post. I’m well aware that all these vehicles were probably ice vehicles.

 

[MickeyAO]

As a retired firefighter the EV fire issue is something I’m certainly interested in. To put it in perspective here is another issue.
https://www.firerescue1.com/vehicle...cles-at-texas-pumpkin-patch-Xntwy2Ohgl1WbVgN/

You know if they find ONE EV on the lot it will be blamed for the fire and everyone will forget about cigarette man.

 

[jerock]

You are right. If one is to check the statistics of ice vehicle fires it’s pretty staggering.
The reality is that if you put enough energy in to move a heavy vehicle for miles you are always going to have a potential for a disaster. We have grown to accept it for ice vehicles.

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