Golf cart deaths from flooding illustrate dangers of lithium-ion batteries

Salt water conducts electricity better than fresh water and is more dangerous during flooding from hurricanes, Florida fire marshall warns. AI-generated image (c) ConsumerAffairs

Any lithium-ion powered vehicle is a hazard during flooding

Lithium-ion batteries and salt water don't mix, making electric vehicles of all kinds a potential tinder box during floods and hurricanes. It's not a far-fetched warning -- at least two elderly Florida men died when their golf carts burst into flame following Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

One of the victims was in his golf cart iin Charlotte County, near Fort Myers, when it exploded into flames following Hurricane Milton. A similar death was reported in Palm Beach after Hurricane Helene.

Florida’s chief financial officer, whose office oversees insurance and financial regulations, also serves as state fire marshal. He has warned repeatedly about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, used in electric and hybrid vehicles and in power tools.

“Following the devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene last week, the Division of State Fire Marshal has confirmed more than a dozen reports of EVs, hybrids or other lithium-ion battery powered vehicles or devices causing fire hazards in areas impacted by this storm,” CFO Jimmy Patronis said in a statement.

Saltwater storm surge, in particular, makes electric vehicles a fire threat because salt water is a better conductor of electricity than fresh water, Patronis said. Owners were urged to move vehicles before storms to higher ground and away from areas that could flood.

Besides the fatal accidents, CFO's Division of State Fire Marshal has confirmed 48 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Hurricane Helene, with 11 of those fires associated with EVs.

Consumer items containing lithium-ion batteries include cars, scooters, hover boards, golf carts and children's toys. The CFO also called on EV manufacturers to be proactive by alerting consumers to place their EVs to higher ground. 

EV safety tips

Follow these fire safety tips if your EV, hybrid, or alternative fuel vehicle is flooded during a hurricane: 

  • Leave all windows and/or doors open to allow any potentially flammable gases to vent from the passenger compartment.
  • If the vehicle is being stored indoors, and can be moved, move it outside into an open-air location. If it cannot be moved, try to keep the storage area open and vented.
  • Unplug and do not attempt to charge the vehicle.
  • Disable the vehicle by chocking the wheels, placing the gearshift in park, and removing the ignition key and/or disconnecting the 12V battery.
  • Avoid contact with the HV battery especially if a vehicle is showing signs of a damaged or overheating HV battery.
  • Follow manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle. 

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