South Korean authorities and experts are urging electric vehicle owners to follow specific safety guidelines during the annual monsoon season [1, 2].
These precautions are critical because the structural design of electric vehicles makes them susceptible to water infiltration, which can lead to battery damage or electric shock [1, 2].
Experts recommend that drivers avoid outdoor charging stations during heavy rain and steer clear of flooded roads [1, 2]. According to YTN, the batteries in most electric vehicles are installed broadly across the entire bottom of the vehicle chassis [2]. This placement means that if roughly one-third of a wheel is submerged, the underside of the battery may contact water [1].
While EV batteries are designed to be waterproof, this protection is not permanent. Kim Pil-su, a professor of automotive engineering at Daelim University, said the waterproofing functions of electric vehicles degrade as the cars age [2]. He said drivers should detour around flooded areas to mitigate these risks [2].
To prevent catastrophic failure, most systems are designed to automatically cut power if water infiltrates the battery compartment [1, 2]. However, the risk of short circuits or electrical leaks remains a concern when vehicles are exposed to deep water [2].
Drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant as the rainy season continues, prioritizing indoor charging and avoiding any route where water levels could reach the vehicle's undercarriage [1, 2].
“Electric vehicle waterproofing functions degrade as the cars age.”
This guidance highlights a growing concern regarding the long-term durability of EV infrastructure. While manufacturers build batteries to withstand moisture, the admission that waterproofing degrades over time suggests that older electric vehicles face higher risks during extreme weather than newer models, potentially affecting resale values and insurance requirements in flood-prone regions.
