With one typhoon after another lashing our country, and the ineffectiveness of government flood control projects now becoming apparent, it’s no surprise that many are now worried about floods once again. What’s changed this time around is the prevalence of electrified vehicles like hybrids and EVs.

We don’t need to be reminded of how water and electricity don’t mix. So does the addition of electric power and batteries make this new generation of vehicles safer or more dangerous in extreme weather?

We go over some facts about hybrids and EVs and explain how owners should prepare during typhoon season.

First of all, it’s important to clarify some terms and these will be used quite frequently throughout this article. An electrified vehicle is a car the incorporates some sort of electricity into its propulsion. Electrified vehicle is the umbrella term used to describe vehicles like mild hybrids (MHEV), regular hybrids (HEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV), and fully electric vehicles (EV), as each of these incorporate some form of battery and electricity to move the car forward.

Hybrids, whether they are mild hybrids (MHEV, no EV mode when driving), regular hybrids (HEV), or plug-in hybrids (PHEV), have both an ICE and EV powertrain. With two powertrains onboard, they can switch between either or even use both simultaneously.

While we’re on the subject of electricity, it’s important to debunk the most prevalent and unfounded myth of all: electrified vehicles will not electrocute you, even when driving through a flood. The engineers of these vehicles have actually thought of situations like floods and have designed the vehicle batteries and wiring to withstand being submerged in water. There’s no need to worry about being electrocuted, nor electrocuting bystanders as these systems have been tightly sealed and even repeatedly tested to make sure no grounding or electrocution takes place.

Electrified vehicles can drive through a flood, but only up to a point

Now that their safety has been established, it’s important to remember that while it’s best to avoid flooded roads as much as possible, if left with no choice, you can drive your electrified vehicle through a flood. Just remember that even these vehicles have their limits.

Hybrids have both an ICE and EV powertrain. As such, during floods, they’re limited by the capabilities of an ICE. As such, hybrids can only drive through the same depth of flood as a conventional ICE can. ICE vehicles typically have a maximum wading depth of 200-300 mm. To put that into perspective, that’s no deeper than half the wheel. Do not attempt to drive through floods deeper than that.

EVs on the other hand can take on slightly deeper floods. This is because they do not have a combustion engine that can be suffocated by the water. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean EV drivers should rush headlong into deep water. It’s best to only attempt crossing floods that are 300-500 mm deep. For perspective, that’s about half to ¾ of a the wheel deep. Remember that EVs are not waterproof. Water higher than this may enter the vehicle’s cabin and damage sensitive electronics that may leave it disabled.

Like regular cars, electrified vehicles will not fare well if left submerged in flood waters for long periods. Even if the vehicle is not running, flood water can enter sensitive parts of the vehicle and damage critical electronics that allow it to operate safely. In fact, electrified vehicles have even more electronic components than regular ICE vehicles. As such, if you live in a flood prone area, it’s best to park your hybrid or EV in an elevated and dry area. Finally, ensure that the charging ports are covered and closed.

It’s tempting to make use of the downtime and charge the vehicle. However, charging during typhoons or torrential rain is not recommended, particularly if the charger is exposed to the elements. The heavy volume of water combined with strong winds can allow moisture to enter sensitive electronic parts. Be on the safe side and avoid incident. Do not charge your vehicle during extreme weather.

Electrified vehicles are not super nor invincible. They are just as vulnerable to damage if driven recklessly. If you’ve had to drive your hybrid or EV through relatively high flood water, it’s still prudent to have it checked at your trusted service center. This is to ensure that no electronic component was damaged and your vehicle can continue to operate safely and efficiently.

Following these tips should ensure that your electrified vehicle continues to run smoothly, even after your locale has been battered by extreme weather.