Are EVs More Likely To Be Struck By Lightning?
Lightning strikes are an interesting phenomena. It shows the power of mother nature to produce an electrical discharge that lights up the night sky, which is then followed by a horrendous crackling sound that we refer to as thunder.
Since electric vehicles are mobile battery packs, would that make them more prone to being struck by lightning? According to the US National Weather Service, lightning is a major cause of storm related deaths in the United States.
A lightning strike on a person can send them into cardiac arrest, instantly stopping their heart. In some instances, for victims who do make it through the strike can die days later due to severe damage to the brain. Only about 10% of people struck by lightning die, most others survive but live with varying degrees of disability.
Air acts as an insulator between positive and negative charges in the clouds or between clouds and the ground. When these opposite charges surpass a certain threshold, there’s a rapid discharge of electricity between the two areas, which is also known as lightning.
This heats up the air around it to a temperature that’s higher than that of the surface of the sun. The US National Weather Service also says a regular flash of lightning carries about 300 million Volts and 30,000A of current.
This can happen in the clouds or clouds to the ground. The latter is what concerns most of us. Electric vehicles are filled with electrical charge, and wouldn’t it make them a target for a lightning strike instead of a building, tree, or the open ground?
Firstly, EVs have sealed battery packs that insulate it from water, air and other elements that might encounter it. The electrical circuits and wires are also designed with a certain level of protection including proper grounding to prevent exposure to excessive current or harm.
If an EV is struck by lightning, like a regular internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, the electric current would run down the body of the car, into the tyres, then down to the ground. Vehicle bodies act as a faraday cage during such a strike, spreading the discharge around the metal surface and directing it downwards.
If you’re inside the car and are not in direct contact with its metallic body, you’ll be safe. That said, an ICE vehicle is just as likely as an EV to be hit by lightning. And if the strike is very intense, it can cause damage to the antenna, electrical systems, tyres or bodywork.
A lightning strike on an ICE or electric vehicle can cause several types of problems with the electrical components. Some vehicles may not be able to function properly right after the event, which includes not being able to start or run properly.
Top Gear, a well-known automotive TV programme conducted a test 15 years ago on the effects of a lightning strike on a vehicle. It’s a fascinating episode that captures the erratic effects a strike could have on a vehicle. But despite what happened, the Volkswagen Golf involved in the test, was able to be driven away.
Take a look at the footage and let us know what you think.
