Are EVs safe to use and charge when it’s raining?
It’s a question that’s on everyone’s mind because it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that water and electricity don’t do well together. Electric vehicles have their battery packs stored under the cabin, which make up the entire floorboard.
In certain vehicles, the battery pack also functions as an integral part of the body structure. Since it is also responsible for the bulk of the car’s weight, the overall center of gravity is much lower to the ground compared to conventional ICE vehicles. This is what makes them more stable and easier to maneuver.
The EV battery pack and wires are insulated well to prevent any harm to the driver and passengers. In case you didn’t know, most electric vehicles’ battery packs are used for propulsion only. Basic systems like infotainment, air-conditioning, lights etc. run off the 12V system.
This means that EVs have two different electrical systems, a low voltage 12V system and a high voltage one that receives power from the battery pack and powers the electric motor. This serves as a safety measure to keep the occupants as insulated as possible from the possibility of being shocked/electrocuted.
When you start an EV, the 12V electrical system tells the relay to connect the battery pack to the car’s main circuit. This is what allows the power to reach the electric motor. When the EV is idle, parked and turned off, the same 12V system tells the relay to disconnect the same battery pack from the circuit.
However, it would be best to read your vehicle owner’s manual to better understand how to operate your EV in the rain as well as in extreme weather conditions.
Most EVs are built around stringent safety regulations in terms of insulation to ensure that the driver, other passengers, or emergency responders are not exposed to the high voltage current. The same applies to the charging stations, charging connectors and associated cables/equipment. They too are built with safety in mind.
If you look at most EV chargers, they are built around great attention to insulation. That’s because they must adhere to extremely strict guidelines. That said, it’s important to inspect the charger before using it to ensure there’s no damage to the connector or cable.
There’s no guarantee that a damaged charger can provide the same amount of insulation or protection to the user as one that is working properly. It’s a similar story for extreme weather conditions.
You should refrain from driving an EV in elevated levels of standing water. This is because there’s a chance of the water penetrating your electrical components and causing permanent damage. Electric vehicles are designed extremely well; however, water can still manage to seep into certain areas and cause some serious problems.
It also is understood that you should refrain from attempting to charge your vehicle in the open during a thunderstorm. Some EV charging outlets aren’t covered by a roof, which leaves you susceptible to the elements.
Though your EV is built to handle extreme weather, the same can’t be said for us humans. And in such conditions, lightning strikes can be a real danger.
