As Hurricane Helene swept through Florida, officials and automotive experts are urging electric vehicle (EV) owners to take extra precautions. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a warning to EV owners to park their vehicles on higher ground, as the combination of flooding and electric vehicles can be a deadly mix. The potential hazards were highlighted by a video shared by Pinellas County showing a Tesla catching fire after being submerged in floodwaters. The footage shows the electric crossover parked in a flooded garage, quickly engulfed in flames as the vehicle fills with smoke. Pinellas County authorities further warned that EVs flooded in saltwater could catch fire and advised residents to avoid charging or parking EVs in garages until a dealership has inspected their vehicles.
Tesla, in its Submerged Vehicle Guidance, also advises EV owners to move their cars to higher ground if flooding is imminent and to treat their vehicle as if it had been in an accident if it has been submerged. This guidance includes not driving the vehicle and contacting the insurance company immediately.
Pinellas County officials posted a video warning residents to be careful with their electric vehicles after one caught fire inside a garage.
Florida’s concern is especially urgent, as the state is home to more than 238,500 EVs, making it the second-largest EV market in the country after California. With such a high concentration of EVs, the danger posed by saltwater flooding during hurricanes like Helene is magnified, making precautionary measures vital to prevent fires and other risks.
One of the hardest-hit automotive businesses was Ken Ganley Kia in New Port Richey, Florida, where Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage, totaling 672 vehicles with an estimated loss of $28 to $30 million. The dealership lost power on the morning of September 27, and floodwaters rose to as much as four feet in some areas of the lot. Of the destroyed vehicles, 500 were new Kia models, while 160 were used cars. Among the total losses were 12 customer vehicles that required servicing. Some cars even caught fire, and others had airbags deployed as a result of the storm’s damage.
Ken Ganley, the dealership owner, expressed shock at the destruction, stating, “Cars were floating around the property, some caught fire, and many others were damaged beyond repair. It’s hard to comprehend such losses, but we’re committed to ensuring that our employees continue to be paid and will work through this challenge.” Despite the devastation, Kia responded quickly, sending new inventory to replenish the lot, including 15 new vehicles the following day and another 300-400 vehicles expected soon. The Ken Ganley Automotive Group, one of the largest dealership groups in the U.S., also plans to send around 100 used cars from its Ohio stores to help restock the Florida dealership.
Hurricane Helene’s toll was not limited to property damage; it also claimed the lives of over 130 people across six Southeastern states. As the hurricane leaves a path of destruction, authorities continue to stress the importance of safety precautions for both residents and their vehicles, particularly for EV owners who face unique risks from saltwater flooding.
