Why you shoudn't water test your EV
Why you shoudn't water test your EV
Monsoon has arrived and so has the flooded roads. Meanwhile, a man in Gujarat decided to use the opportunity to test his electric vehicle.
As per reports, the person in Vadodara, Gujarat, tested an Ola electric scooter in a unique and potentially dangerous way by submerging it almost fully in a flooded street, leaving only the headlight above water. The video of this incident, shared on Instagram, has garnered over 2 million views.
On the surface, the video shows a promising picture for electric vehicles (EVs), which lack exhaust pipes and are seemingly less prone to severe water damage compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The scooter in the video appeared to be unharmed and comfortably crossed the flooded street. However, experts question the safety of such practices regardless of the vehicle type.
Submerging electric vehicles (EVs) in flooded streets poses significant risks. Battery packs, though generally well-sealed, are not completely waterproof. Extended time spent in water increases these risks, potentially causing substantial damage to the motor and expensive repairs. Prolonged exposure to deep water can result in corrosion, electrical issues, electric shocks, and, in extreme cases, fire risks.
Flooded streets conceal hidden dangers like potholes or sewer covers, which can severely damage the scooter's undercarriage and motor. These hidden hazards can even cause the scooter and rider to be completely submerged, putting their safety at extreme risk.
“Manufacturer warranties also don't typically cover water damage caused by reckless riding and water ingress, more so in cases where it is done intentionally, like in the video,” the article states.
The seemingly harmless stunt of riding an EV through flooded streets could lead to unanticipated and costly consequences. Without warranty coverage, water ingress and reckless riding may financially impact the rider heavily.
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