The electric car raises many questions around its specificities. But is it possible to be electrocuted by an electric car?
There electric car is booming, and it raises many practical questions, but also from a security point of view: is it possible to be electrocuted by this one?
When water and electricity don’t mix
Even if the electric car is not a new thing in itself, in recent years it has experienced impressive growth. Users accustomed to thermal vehicles may still have some reservations about electric cars, and in particular doubts about their reliability and safety.
Indeed, it is not uncommon to come across testimonies from motorists who have seen their electric car go up in smoke spectacularly during a fire, while certain incidents such as flooding could affect the battery and electrical components of an electric vehicle. But what is it really?
In the case where an electric car is submerged in water, the probability of being electrocuted by it is rather weak. Indeed, the battery compartments of electric vehicles are carefully sealed to be isolated and protected against external elements, and in particular against the risk of water infiltration. This is particularly true at Tesla, but also at other electric vehicle manufacturers.
Can you be electrocuted in an electric car?
And even though lithium-ion batteries, frequently used to power EVs, can present explosion or fire risks in the event of damage in an accident, the very design of electric cars makes it possible toavoid the risk of electrocution.
In the case of immersion, there are also several security systems in an electric car, such as insulating the charging port as well as damaged cables, which reduces the risk of being electrocuted. However, the various responders during an accident, such as firefighters or first responders, must be trained to intervene on an electric car, in order to effectively manage the risks of fire or electrocution.
When charging an electric car, the risk of being electrocuted is also low: however, it is recommended, before plugging your car into a charging station, to check the condition of the charging cableand avoid using it if it has been stripped, damaged or submerged in water.
Although there are some well-founded concerns about electric cars, security measures implemented by car manufacturers ensure in practice a good level of safety for users.
