Wild Storms in Sydney Raise Concerns About Electric Vehicle Safety
Sydney residents have been battling with wild weather this week, fearing the potential damage from lots of lightning and heavy rain. Among the many issues being discussed in relation to the storms, one particular concern raised is that of electric vehicles and how they might be affected by lightning strikes.
This issue is an important one, with the state emergency department issuing critical advice on the matter. With electric vehicles being powered by 400 volts of electricity, the main question is – just how vulnerable are they to lightning strikes?
The department treats lightning damage in context, cautioning drivers to exercise restraint after a lightning strike on an electric vehicle. The department warns that “an electric vehicle that has been involved in a collision, fire or has been submerged should be treated with caution as the high-voltage battery may be compromised.” When in doubt, it is advised to reach out to a technician or roadside assistance service for professional advice before driving the vehicle.
Fortunately, for drivers, a lightning strike on an electric vehicle is not expected to result in any major damage. In fact, according to experts, electric vehicles generally withstand lightning strikes in the same way as cars with internal combustion engines. When a car is hit by lightning, the electricity essentially seeks to connect to the ground. Since the vehicle comes into contact with the ground through its rubber tires, the electricity from the lightning has nowhere else to go.
Another factor serving as a safety measure with electric cars during lightning strikes is the presence of the metal shell of the car. This allows the vehicle to better conduct the electricity to the ground, rather than through the leather, plastic, or fabric interior. However, caution is needed when outside of the vehicle and physically touching the car, as it is important to serve as a conduit for the electricity from the lightning and the ground during the strike.
In light of the wild weather in Sydney, and the frequent storms that sweep across the city, an important question is whether it is safe to leave electric cars plugged in during stormy weather. In most cases, it is generally advised to exercise caution when plugging and unplugging the car during storms. Lightning strikes might cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow, which is ultimately what they are intended for. However, if a car is plugged in when it is struck by lightning, it is unlikely to result in a life-threatening event for the car or driver.
Electric cars are designed to accommodate the wet conditions by letting in minimal amounts of water during charging, similar to the flow rate from slowly turning on a faucet. Even when plugged in to the vehicle, the car is programmed to carry out a series of safety checks before the power flows, ensuring it is safe to do so. While this is true for both AC and DC charging, it is especially relevant for DC charging, as this is a more powerful method. In such cases, power doesn’t immediately flow when plugging in, as the car needs to relay a series of safety checks before it permits the power to begin the charging process.
While strong safety measures are in place, there remains a need to exert caution during inclement weather. For instance, individuals must check for any exposed wiring or nicks when connecting a DC charger in wet weather. This is because they remain electrical equipment and any exposure to the elements might compromise the safety of the device and user.
Researchers and experts remain confident that electric vehicles are resilient enough to overcome the challenges of a storm and that drivers should dispel any fears they may have in light of the approaching thunderstorm. They have advised that residual fears and concerns need not play a significant role in the minds of potential drivers of electric vehicles. The potential risks remain minimal and can be handled safely with simple checks and precautions. As a result, while Sydney is in the midst of a challenging spell of stormy weather, the fears of electric vehicle owners appear to be largely unfounded, and drivers should feel confident that they can continue productive journeys using electric vehicles regardless of the weather difficulties.
Overall, the fears and concerns appear to be largely ungrounded, and drivers can continue productive journeys using electric vehicles.
