Hurricane Helene EV Fire Risks and Power Outages

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, officials are warning that electric vehicles (EVs) flooded with saltwater pose a significant fire risk due to potential battery damage and chemical reactions. Residents who left EVs behind during evacuations are urged to contact local emergency services rather than attempting to move these vehicles themselves. Past incidents, such as those following Hurricanes Sandy and Ian, have shown that saltwater can cause EV batteries to short circuit and ignite, even days or weeks after exposure. Authorities, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have advised EV owners to relocate their vehicles to higher ground and to avoid charging or driving them if they have been submerged. Tesla and other manufacturers recommend keeping flooded vehicles away from structures until they can be inspected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating rescue and clean-up efforts in the affected southeastern states, where millions are still without power.